■ 


lfc»,'**sv 


»> 


H 


.ftp. 


\  .'..<, 


■ 


m 


its' 

■MB ' 

m       ■  H 


■■■■    Dl       B¥ro 

1  HI         'iJt'Z'S  ■■■■   Bra 

■■■Bl       rag  H 


ram 
Sffi 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2013 


http://archive.org/details/cherokeephysiciaOOfore 


c* 


tv 


!  -  dLagi 


n 


Ify 


Is 


H> 


6r 


0 


2~ 

%  0    9~ 


| 


,  ~  *  /n 


**  i 


V 


THE 
€MEHOI4EE  PHYSICIAN* 

OR 

AS  GIVEN  BY 
RICHARI*  FOREMAN,  A  CHJBRO&EE  DOCTOR; 

COMPRISING  A  BRIEF  VIEW  OF  ANATOMY,  WITH 

GENERAL  RULES  FOR  PRESERVING  HEALTH 

WITHOUT  THE  USE  OF  MEDICINES. 

THE   SpiSEASSIS  ©F  THE  U.  STATES, 

WITH  THEIR  SYMPTOMS,  CAUSES,  AND 
MI^ANS  OF  PREVENTION,  ARE  TREA- 
i  TED  ON  IN  A  SATISFACTORY 
MANNER. 

IT  ALSO  CONTAINS 

a  Description  of  a  variety  of 

many  of  whi0h  are  not  explained  in  any 
other  book,  and  their  medical  vir- 
tues have  hitherto  been  unknown 
to  the  whites;  to  which 

ft  IS  ADDED  A  SHORT 


. 

BY    JAS.  W.    MAHONEY. 


EDNEY  &  DEDMAN, 

ASHEVILLE,  TX.  C 

LS49. 


il 


District  of  East  Tennessee  : 

Be  it  Remembered,  That  on  the  6tli  day  of  Ocl  ober,  1'  u">, 
William  Mahoney,  of  said  District,  hath  depo    ted  in 
office,  the  Title  of  a  Book,  which  is  in  the  won  -    and 
ures  following,  to  wit: 

"The  Cherokee  Physician,  or  Indian  Guide  to  Hea  . 
"  as  given  by  Richard  Foreman,  a  Cherokee  Doctor,  com- 
"  prising  a  brief  view  of  Anatomy,  with  General  Rules 
"  for  Preserving  Health,  without  the  use  of  M»  -iicines. — ■■ 
"  It  also  contains  a  description  of  a  variety  of  1  ierbs  and 
"  Roots,  many  of  which  are  not  explained  in  y  other 
"  Book,  and  their  medical  virtues  have  hither*  een  im- 
*  known  to  the  Whites;  to  which  is  added  a  shr  Dispen- ' 
"'  satory,  by  James  W.  Mahoney,"  the  right  :eof  he 

claims  as  Proprietor,  in  conformity  with  an  ac      of  Con> 
gress,  entitled  an  act  to  amend  the  several  acts  respect 
ing  copy-rights. 

A  true  copy  from  the  Records  in  mv  office. 
.m.*_m_h_hh.  JAMES  W.  CALDWELL. 

J  SEAL.  %  Clerk  of  the  Untied  StUc* 

+-+4H-M-+-+1-*-  Court  for  the  Disi:  \  •  0/ 

East  7    1  if« 


«* 


Every  new  publication  on  this,  as  well  as  other  subjects, 
sliould  have  some  grounds  upon  which  it  can  set  up  its 
claim  to  a  share  of  public  patronage  and  support.  Had  I 
not  believed  that  this  work  contained  something  new  and 
useful,  I  wodj.1  not  have  published  it.*  But,  believing  as  ^ 
do,  that  the  tIe^mng  art,'''  as  known  and  practiced  by  the 
Cherokee  Indians,  would  be  welcomely  received,  by  many: 
and  having  personally  tested  the  efficacy  of  their  reme- 
dies, in  the  cure  of  disease::;  after  such  remedies  as  are  usu- 
ally prescribed  by  the  whites  had  been  tried  and  had  ut- 
terly  failed  to  effect  a  cure,  1  have  been  induced 'to  com- 
mit this  sysfea)  to  paper.  I  am  sensible  that  in  so  cluing, 
1  expose  myself  to  .the  animadversions  of  the  critics.  I  ant 
a.  ho  sensible,  (to  soma^Heiit)  of  the  prejudice  which  pre- 
vails in  the  minds  of  many,  against  Medical  works,  which 
are  not  decked  in  ;  he  flowery  drapery  of  a  fine  and  oriia- 
mentcd^style  anlfeehaic-al  lore.  Believing,  as  1  do,  that 
medicine  should  jmt  be  merely  a  sjjftdy  of  curious  enquiry, 
but  one  of  the  deepest  interest  todj|*ery  son  of  mortality.  1 
have  endeavored  to  Adorn  it  with  plain  practical  sense, 
.rather  than  widi  the  fascinating  decorations  of  high  stand- 
ing, unmeaning  names,  andwschnicai  phrases. 

Those  who  will  take  the  pains  to  read  and  study,  will 
soon  be  convinced  that  the  All-wise  Creator  in  the  infini- 
tude of  his  mercy,  has  furnished  man  with  the  means  of 
curing  his  own  diseases,  in  ail  the  climates  and  countries 
of  which  he  is  an  inhabitant;  and  that  a  knowledge  of  the 
means  of  curing  all  common  diseases,  is  not  so  dilticult 
is*  obtain  as  has  been  generally  represented. 

The  really  valuable  materials  in  medici-nef  and  those 
'which  act  with  the  greatest  promptitude  and  power,  in  the 
cure  of  diseases,  are  few  and  simple,  and  easily  to  be  pro- 
cured in  all  countries. 

Tbe  Aborigines  qf  our  country,  found  the  means  of  mit- 


- 


6  INTRODUCTION. 

igating  and  curing  their  diseases,  in  the  uncultivated  wilds 
which  gave  them  birth, — they  knew  nothing  of  foreign 
drugs,  but  with  roots,  herbs,  and  plants  found  in  their 
own  country,  they  mitigated  and  cured  the  diseases  most 
common  to  that  countrj .  That  their  knowledge  of  th* 
medical  properties  of  the  roots  and  herbs  common  in  the 
American  forest,  is  superior  to  that  possessed  by  the  whites 
will  hardly  be  denied.  Neither  will  it  be  denied  by  those 
acquainted  with  their  success,  in  treating  disease,  that 
they  have,  in  many  instances,  performed  cures,  by  means 
of  roots,  herbs  and  plants,  after  the  usual  remedies  prc- 
-  scribed  by  white  physicians  had  failed.  The  articles  em- 
ployed by  them  in  the  cure  of  diseases,  are  simple,  and 
principally  such  as  can  be  procured  in  trus  dmintry. 

The  time  is  not  far  distant,  when  most,  if  not  all  the  dis- 
eases, of  our  country,  will  be  healed  without  the  use  of 
calomel  and  mercurial  preparations,  and  when  foreign 
drugs  will  be  disused  by  administering  physicians. 

My  principal  design,  in  the  publication  of  this  work,  is 
to  lay  before  the  heads  of  families,  the  means  of  guarding 
against  diseases,  and  also  such  remedies. as  are  best  calcu- 
lated to  arrest  diseases  in  their  in^pient,  or  forming  stages. 
I  have  labored  to  give  such  instruction, "with,  regard  to  the. 
nature  and  symptoms  of  diseases,  as  will  enable  the  reader 
to  determine,  with  some  degree  of  accuracy,  when  the  aid 
of  a  skillful  physician  is  really  necessaiy.  and  also  to  dis- 
tinguish the  man  of  practical  science  and  wisdom,  from 
the  ignorant  pretender,-  and  the  assuming  quack. 

With  these  remarks,  I  submit  the  work  to  the  inspec- 
tion of  a  liberal  and  enlightened  American  people.  The 
impartial  and  intelligent  reader  will  doubt  Jess  award  to  it 
its  due  portion  of  merit  and  demerit. 


■ 


7 


PART  ONE. 
CHAPTER  1. 

ANATOMY. 

Anatomy  treats  of  the  structure  of  the  human  body,  its 
various  organs,  and  their  use. 

Practical  Anatomy,  is  the  dissecting  or  dividing  of  the' 
organized  substances,  to  exhibit  the  structure,   situation, 
and  uses  of  the  parts.     Those  wishing  to  practice  surge- 
ry, will  find  that  subject  discussed  at  length  in  books  that 
treat  on  that  alone.     A  knowledge  of  Anatomy  is  indis- 
pensable to  him  who  would  become  either  a  safe  or  a  skill- 
ful Surgeon;  but  to  a  practical  Physician,  in  the  treatment 
of  diseases,  it  is  of  little  value,  comparatively   speaking. 
But  as  this  work  is  designed  for  all  who  may  see  proper* 
to  give  it  a  perusal,  and  not  limited  to  the  use  of  any  in 
particular,  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  some  will   be 
pleased,  and  perhaps  benefitted,  by  this  part  of  the  work. 
A  minute  and  extensive  treatise  on  Anatomy  will  not  be 
expected  by  the  intelligent  reader,  in  a  work  of  this  kind. 
But  I  will  endeavor  to  give  the  outlines  of  the  whole  hu- 
man system,  in  a  plain  and    concise  manner.     This   short 
treatise  on  this  subject,  will  be  sufficient   to  enable  the 
heads  of  families,  and  others,  who  practice  under  the   di- 
rections of  this  book,  to  ascertain  with  some  degree  of  ac- 
curacy, the  seat  of  disease,  and  also  to  enable  them  to  re- 
turn, to  its  proper  place,  a  dislocated  joint;  and  this  is  all 
that  the  writer  believes  will  be  worth  its  room  in  this  work. 

Section  1. 
ORGANS  OF  THE  HUMAN BODY  #  THEIR  USES. 

The  most  natural  general  divisions  of  the  human  body, 
are — 

1.  The  head  {Craneum.) 

2.  The  body,  {Trunk) 

3.  The  legs,  feet  and  hands,  {upper  and  lower  extremities.) 
These  general  divisions  are  composed  of  bones,  muscles, 
glands,  ligaments,  cartilages,  tendons,  nerves,  blood  ves- 
sels, absorbents,  and  the  brain  and  spinal  marrow. 

• 

*  g  Ifel 


8  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

Sub-Divisions. — The  body,  (Trunk,)  is  divided  into  two. 
cavities : 

1.  The  breast,  (Chest  or  Thorax.) 

2.  The  belly,  (Abdomen.) 

The  breast,  (thorax)  and  belly  (abdomen,)  are  separated 
by  a  strong  membrane,  called  the  midriff  or  diaphragm, 
which  will  be  described  hereafter. 

The  upper  division,  breast  (thorax,)  contains  tb.6  heart 
and  lungs,  called  the  thoracic  viscera;  and  the  lower  divis- 
ion, belly  (abdomen)  contains  the  stomach,  kidneys,  liver, 
intestines,  &c,  called  abdominal  viscera. 

The;  bones  will  now  betaken  into  view.  They  may 
properly  be  considered  as  the  braces  of  the  human  frame 
— they  give  to  it  shape,  stature  and  firmness.  The  num- 
ber of  bones  in  the  human  body,  is  estimated  at  two  hun- 
dred and  forty-eight.  Of  these,  sixty-three  are  in  the  head; 
fifty-three  in  the  trunk;  sixty-eight  in  the  upper  extremi- 
ties, or  arms,  and  sixty-four  in  the  lower  extremities. — 
This  estimation  includes  the  four  sesamoid  bones  in  the 
great  toes,  and  the  four  sesamoid  bones  in  the  thumbs^ 
which  are  not  always  found. 

SKUL  L — (Cranium.) 

The  skull  contains  the  eight  following  bones  : 

One  in  the  forehead — osfrontis. 

Two  temple  bones — ossa  temporalia. 

Two  walls,  or  sides — ossa  parietalia. 

One  full  of  holes — os  ethmoides. 

One  wedge-like  form — os  spenoides. 

One  back  of  the  head — os  occipitis. 

The  05  frontis,  is  the  bone  of  the  forehead,  reaching 
from  its  upper  edge,  downwards,  so  as  to  include  the  up- 
per part  of  the  eye  sockets,  and  backwards  on  each  side, 
so  as  to  join  the  temple  bones.  The  temple  bones  join 
the  walls,  or  sides,  and  the  forehead. 

The  Os  Etlimoides,  or  bone  full  of  holes,  is  a  very  curi- 
ous bone,  situated  on  the  inside  of  ttie  head,  or  rather  fore- 
head. It  is  a  light  spongy  bone,  having  somewhat  the 
appearance  of  net- work. 

The  Os  spenoides,  or  bone  of  wedge-like  form,  spreads 
across  the  inside  of  the  head,  and  attaches  itself  to  four- 
teen other  bones. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH  9 

The  Os  occipitis,  is  the  hind  part  of  the  head,  and  joins 
the  neck  bone;  it  is  a  very  thick  but  uneven  bone.  It 
supports  the  hind  part  of  the  b«*ain,  and  through  it  passes 
the  marrow  of  the  neck  and  back,  called  the  spinal  mar- 
row. All  the  preceding  bones  are  joined  together  by 
seams,  which  in  appearance  resemble  saw-teeth. 

The  face  is  next  in  order,  in  which  are  many  small 
bones.  It  has  six  bones  on  each  side;  and  they  all  have 
seams  similar  to  those  of  the  skull,  only  smaller. 

The  nose  bones,  ossa  nasi,  are  the  two  bones  which  form 
the  nose,  and  meet  together  by  two  thin  edges,  without  a- 
ny  indenta  ions. 

The.  upper  jaw  bones,  ossa  maxillaria  superibra,  which, 
are  large,  and  form  the  basis  of  the  face.  They  extend 
upwards,  and  form  the  side  of  the  nose,  and  they  send 
backward  a  kind  of  plate,  that  makes  the  root  of  the 
mouth.  A  circular  projection  below,  makes  the  sockets 
for  the  teeth. 

The  Vomer,  a  plough-shear,  completes  the  nose. 
The  cheek  bone,  os  males,  is  the  high  bone  that  forms 
the  cheek. 

The  lower  jaw-bone,  os  maxillcz  inferioris,  has  but  two, 
joints,  those  under  each  ear. 

The  spine,  or  back-bone,  comes  next  in  order.  This  is  a 
long  line  of  bones,  extending  from  the  back  of  the  head  to 
the  end  of  the  body.  It  has  twenty  bones,  or  joints,  ceiled 
vertebra.  The  neck  part  has  seven  joints,  vertebra;  the 
back  twelve,  and  the  loins  five;  making  in  a!!,  twenty- 
four  separate-bones.  In  some  persons  the  neck  has  eight 
pieces,  the  back  eleven,  and  the  loins  six.  Some  persons, 
with  very  short  necks,  only  have  five  pieces  in  the  neck, 
and  the  number  made  up  in  the  loins.  The  same  marrow 
runs  from  the  back  of  the  head  to  the  lower  end  of  the  spine. 

Shoulder  Blade — (Scapula.) — The  shape  and  situation 
of  this  bone  is  so  well  known,  that  it  needs  no  explana- 
tion.. It  is  not  connected  to  the  trunk  by  ligaments,  but 
has  several  muscular  substances  between  it  and  the  trunk. 

Collar  Bone — (Clavsile.) — This  is  perhaps  the  strong- 
est bone  in,  the  system,  to  its  size.  If  is  placed  at  the 
lower  part  of  the  neck,  and  reaches  frqm  the  upper  part 
<^f  the  breast  bone  to   the  point  of  the  shoulder.     It  is  fas- » 


10  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

terie'd  by  grisly  substances — cartilages,  and  rolls  with  ease 
on  any  exertion  of  the  breast  and  shoulder. 

•  . 
Upper  Bone  of  the  Arm — (Os  Humeri.)—  This  bone  has 

a  cylindric  form,  but  at  the  lower  end  it  is  twisted  and  flat- 
tened a  little.  This  flatness  joint  it  to  the  elbow  in  a 
hinge-like  form,  so  that  the  joins  has  but  one  direction  of 
moving.  At  the  shoulder  it  has  a  large  round  head,  which 
enables  it  to  turn  in  every  direction.  On  the  top  of  the 
head,  this  bone,  though  circular,  is  nearly  flat,  and  has  but 
a  very  shallow  cavity  to  turn  in;  consequently  it  is  a 
veryfcveak  joint  to  its  size,  and  easily  dislocated. 

Lower  Part  of  the  .Arm — (Badius  and  Ulna.) — The 
lower  part  of  the  arm,  from  the  elbow  to  the  wrist,  has 
two  bones  in  it.  The  main  bone  has  its  largest  end  down- 
wards, joining  the  wrist  next  to  the  thumb,  while  the  lit- 
tle end  is  upwards,  lying  on  the  ulna,  where  the  ulna  joins 
the  large  bone  of  the  arm  at  the  elbow.  The  radius  gives 
all  turning  motions  to  the  wrists.  It  is.  a  stronger  bone 
than  the  ulna,  and  is  somewhat  arched  in  its  shape.  The 
upper  end  of  this  bone  is  small,  of  a  button  like  shape, 
and  is  joined  both  with  the  large  bone  and  the  ulna.  This 
bone  gives  more  strength  than  the  ulna  to  that  part  of  the 
arm,  particularly  to  the  wrist. 

The  Ulna  cr  Elbow — (a  measure.)  Bv  this  bone  we 
perform  all  the  actions  of  bending  and  extension.  It  is 
of  a  triangular  form,  and  is  so  firmly  all  ached  to  theup- 
per  bone"  of  thewm,  (os  humeri)  that  it  allows  no  lateral 
or  side  motion. 

Bones  of  the  Hand  and  Fingers. — The  wrist  bones  are 
eight,  in  number.  They  are  situated  between  the  end  of 
the  arm  bones  and  the  bones  of  the  hand:  they  -are  very 
short,  and  are  bound  together  very  strongly,  by  cross  liga- 
ments, and  closely  compressed  together,  so  as  to  form  a 
ball-like  figure,  each  having  separate  ends  or  joints:  there 
are  five  ^bones  between  the  wrist  and  fingers — they  start 
out  from  the  wrist,  each  one  extends  to  its  finger  respect- 
fully: they  are  all  nearly  straight  round  bones,  without 
joints,  tolerably  large  and  very  strong:  the  fingers  all  have 
three  joints,  the  thumb  has  two. 

The  Breast  Bone—  {Sternum) — This  bone  lies   exactly 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  II 

in  the  front  part  of  the  breast.  It  is  a  light  spongy  bone. 
In  children,  and  in  some  to  the  age  ot  five  or  six  years  old, 
this  bone  consists  of  eight  distinct  pieces,  which  in  old  per- 
sons become  one  solid  bone:  they  are  a  little  hollowed  at 
the  upper  end,  and  on  each  upper  corner,  it  has  a  joining 
or  articulating  hollow,  at  which  place  the  ends  of  the  col- 
lar bones  are  fastened  by  strong  ligaments.  Each  side  of 
this  bone  is  so  formed,  as  to  receive  all  the  ends  of  the 
ribs  on  their  respective  sides. 

The  Ribs. — There  are  twelve  ribs  on  each  side  of  the 
breast  or  chest,  corresponding  in  number  with  thgyverte- 
bra,  or  joints,  in  that;part  of  the  spine,  or  back-bone.  Se- 
ven are  called  line  ribs,  because  they  join  the  breast-bone: 
the  other  five  are  vulgarly  called  short  ribs,  but  by  anato- 
mists false  ribs,  because  they  do  not  join  the  breast-bone: 
the  ribs  are  connected  with  the  breast-bone  with  cartila- 
ges, and  to  the  back-bone  by  joints. 

Bones  belonging  to  the  Basin — (Pelvis.) — This  part  is 
formed  of  very  strong,  firm  bones,  standing  in  a  kind  of 
arch  between  the  main  trunk  and  the  lower  extremities. 
Each  boue  is  large,  and  affords  large  strong  sockets  for 
the  thigh  bones.  In  grown  persons  it  contains  four  bones: 
— the  Os  sacrum,  the  Os  coccygis,  and  the  two  o:s^d  inno- 
minata.  • 

The  Os  sacrum  and  the  Os  coccygis,  is  called  the  false 
spine,  or  column,  the  point  of  them  runs  downwards,  and 
the  largest  part  is  upwards.  It  runs  along  that  part,  of 
the  system  vulgarly  called  the  rump.  Os  coccygis  (cuck- 
oo's bill,)  is  the  lower  end  of  the  back-bone.  It  tapers 
from  the  Ossacru-m,  or  rump  bone,  to  its  termination,  so  as 
to  iorm  it.  sharp  point.  It  is  a  little  crooked  and  flatfish, 
so  as  to  support  the  lower  gut,(recfum)  bladder,  and  womb: 
it  is  very  flexible,  and  recedes  in  time  of  labor  with 
women,  so  as  greatly  to  facilitate  the  passage  of  the 
child's  head;  and  when  labor  is  over,  it  returns  to  its  prop- 
er position  without  difficulty. 

The  two  Ossa  innominata,  or  nameless  bones,  are  two 
great  bones  that  make  the  two  sides  of  the  basin,  or  pel- 
vis. The  Os  Ilium  is  the  greatest  part  of  these  bones.  It 
extends  up  in  a  sort  of  wing  from  the  pelvis,  or  basin,  and 
is  covered  with  the  muscles  that  move  the  thighs. 


12  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

The  hip-bone,  (Os  ischium)  lies  directly  under  the  flank 
bone,  (Os  ilium)  and  is  the  lowest  point  of  the  basin,  or 
pelvis,  vulgarly  called  the  buttock,  being  the  point  on 
which  we  sit. 

The  share-bone,  (Os pubis,)  is  the  smallest  piece  belong- 
ing to  the  nameless  bones,  (Ossa  innominata.)  It  com- 
pletes the  front  part  of  the  brim  of  the  basin  (pelvis.) 

Thigh  Bone — Os  Femoris. — This  is  the  largest,  longest, 
and  most  cylindrical  bone  belonging  to  the  human  anat- 
omy. It  joins  the  hip  in  a  wa}-  that  gives  it  strength.  It 
is  veimhard  to  dislocate,  or  put  in  place.  It  has  a  regular 
bend  from  nearly  one  end  to  the  other;  the  bending  side  be- 
ing towards  the  front  of  the  thigh: — this  is  the  strongest 
joint  in  the  body. 

The  leg  bones,  two  in  number,,  called  by  anatomists 
Tibia  and  Fibula.  The  tibia  is  the  largest  of  the  two  leg 
bones,  and  is  situated  on  the  inside  part  of  the  leg.  It  in 
of  a  triangular  form,  with  the  upper  end  somewhat  flat- 
tened: the  fibula  is  on  the  outside  of  the  tibia,  and  makes 
the  outward  lamp  of  the  ankle. 

The  Knee  Pan — (Rolella  or  Patella.-. — Is  a  small  round- 
ish bone,  tolerably  thick:  it  is  attached  to  the  tubercle  of 
the  tibia  by  very  strong  ligaments. 

• 

Inste?  or  Ankle — (Tarsus.) — The  ankle  is  composed  of 
M-ven  bones,  which  lie  between  the  leg  and  foot.  They 
are  bound  together  by  ligaments,  in  a  manner  similar  to 
those  of  the  wrist.  One  of  them  forms  the  heel,  and  is 
called  the 'heel  bone — (Os  calcis.)  There  are  five  bones 
between  the  ankles  and  toes:  they  join  the  ankle  and  toes 
in   a  similar  manner  to  the  hand  bones. 

I  have  now  described  the  shape  and  position  of  such 
bones  as  are  most,  liable  to  dislocation  and  injury:  the  next 
subject  will  be  the  internal  parts  of  rhehuman  system. 


The  brain  is  the  great  sensorium  of  the  system,  and  has 
a  communication  through  the  nerves  with  the  whole  body. 
]J  receives  all  impressions  made  upon  any  of  the  organs 
of  sense,  and  is  really  the  seat  of  sensation.  It  is  here  that 
all. the  impressions   made   upon,  the  organs  of  sense,  aria. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  13 

tnanufactured  into  ideas.  But  in  what  manner  the  brain 
performs  this,  or  what  connection  it  has  with  the  mind,  is 
a  mystery  in  which  the  researches  of  physiologists,  and  tho 
deductions  of  metaphysicians,  have  hitherto  been  unable 
to  reflect  any  light.  "The  most,  or  in  fact  all  that  is  known 
on  the  subject  is,  that  the  mind  acquires  all  its  ideas  of  ex- 
ternal objects  through  impressions  made  by  these  objects 
on  the  organs  of  sense.  These  impressions  are  conveyed 
to  the  brain  by  the  nerves,  and  produce  what  is  called 
sensation,  which  is  the  passive  reception  of  the  image  of 
the  archetype,  or  pattern  of  the  idea  upon  the  brain,  and 
in  some  unknown  manner,  the  perception  is  conveyed  to 
the  mind." 

The  brain  is  situated  in  the  upper  cavity  of  the  head- 
It  is  divided  into  two  grand  divisions,  which  are  called: 

1.  The  seat  of  imagination — cerebrum. 

2.  The  seat  of  animal  spirits — cerebellum. 
There  are  several  other  smaller  divisions. 

"The  brain  is  larger  in  man  than  any  olher  known  an- 
imal. Its  general  weight  is  frcm  two  pounds  five  and  a 
half  ounces,  to  three  pounds  three  and  three-quarter  oun- 
ces; many  however,  w-eigh  i'cur  pounds.  The  biain  of 
Lord  Byron  (without  its  membranes)  weighed  6  pounds." 

The  spinal  marrow  is  only  a  continuation  of  the  sub- 
stance of  the  brain,  through  the  cavity  of  the  spine  or  back- 
bone. 

The  Tongue — (Lingua.) — The  tongue   is    composed  of 
small  muscular  fbres;  it  is  coursed  with  little  reddish  pim- 
ples, which  are  the    ends,    or  terminations  of  nerves,  it  is 
the  impression  made  on  ihese  nerves  that  produces  that 
pleasurable  sensation  called  taste. 

The  Wine-Pipe — (Trachea.) — This  is  a  rough  canal, 
through  which  the  air  passes  from  the  mouth  to  the  lights, 
(lungs)  in  breathing.  It  lies  in  front  of  the  swallow,  (eso- 
phagus) and  every  thing  taken  into  the  stomach,  passes 
directly  over  the  mouth  of  the  wind-pipe;  but  it  has  a  kind 
of  lid  or  valve,  that  shuts  or  closes  over  it  in  the  act  of 
swallowing,  (deglutition.)  At  or  near  the  lungs  it  fork*, 
or  branches  off,  so  as  to  convey  the  air  into  the  lungs. 

The  Lights— (Lungs.)— The  lungs  are  situated  in  the 
chest,  thorax).  The  thorax,  or  chest,  is  lined  with  a 
smooth  shining  membrane,  denominated  the  pleura,  which 


14  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

is  the.  seat  of,  and  gives  name  to  the  Pleurisy.  The  pleura 
forms  two  distinct  apartments  in  the  chest,  two  sides  of 
which  meeting,  attach  to  the  inner  edge  of  the  spine,,or 
back-bone,  and  reaching  from  thence  to  the  breast  bone, 
form, the  partition  called  th§i  mediastinum.  The  lungs  are 
divided  into  two  lobes  or  portions,  and  situated  one  in  the 
right,  and  the  other  in  the  left  side  of  the  breast,  in  the  a- 
bove  name^  apartments.  They  join  the  wind-pipe,  tra- 
chea, in  the  upper  part  of  the  breast.  They  are  attached 
to  the  heart  by  the  pulmonary  vessels.  They  are  full  cf 
little  tubes,  which  communicate  with  the  external  atmos- . 
phere  through  the  wind-pipe. 

The  most  important,  and  perhaps  the  only  function  of 
the  lungs  is  that  of  breathing,  respiration,  which  is  sim- 
ply inhaling  the  air  into  the  lungs,  and  expelling  it  from 
them. 

The  Heart. — The  heart  is  situated  in  the  chest,  or  tho- 
rax, near  the  centre  of  the  human  body,  with  its  main  base 
placed  a  little  on  the  right  of  the  back-bone,  and  its  point 
standing  obliquely  to  the  sixth  rib,  on  the  left  side.  As  it 
lies  in  this  oblique  position,  its  under  side  or  surface,  is  in 
contact  with  the  diaphragm.  It  is  so  placed  between  the 
arteries  and  veins,  as  to  regulate  their  relative  action,  in 
propelling  the  blood  through  the  arteries,  and  receiving 
it  through  the  veins.  It  is  divided  into  two  cavities,  which 
are  distinguished  by  the  names  of  right  and  left  ventricles. 
There  are  two  other  hollow  muscles  denominated  auricles: 
the  heart  possesses  the  power  of  dilating  and  contracting, 
which  is  technically  denominated  the  systole  and  diastole 
motion.  By  this  operation  it,  first  receives  the  venous 
blood  into  its  cavities,  and  then  forces  it  into  the  arteries, 
by  which  it  is  carried  to  every  part  of  the  body.  This  mo- 
tion continues  day  and  night,  awake  or  asleep,  during  the 
whole  period  of  our  lives.  The  number  of  these  motions 
in  a  given  period,  is  modified  or  governed  by  age,  or  by 
disease.  In  infancy  the  number  is  greatest,  being  from 
one  hundred  and  thirty,  to  one  hundred  and  forty;  in  man- 
hood, from  seventy  to  eighty;  in  old  age,  from  fifty-five  to,, 
sixty-five,  in  a  minute.  Most  inflamatory  diseases  stimu- 
late" the  muscles  of  the  heart,  and  accelerate  its  motion. 
It  is  this  power  that  rolls  the  "precious  fluid"  of  life  thro' 
e,very  channel  in  the  system,  with  the  constancy  of  a  pey- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  15; 

ennial  fountain.  "While  the  vital  spark  remains,  the 
Heart  with  untiring  assiduity,  plies  the  wheels  of  life,  un- 
fatigued  with  its  ceaseless  labor;  and  is  neither  lulled  into 
stupidity  by  the  torpor  of  sleep,  nor  decoyed  into  remiss- 
ness by  the  enchantment  of  pleasure."  It  performs  two 
circulations  at  the  same  .time;  that  with  the  lungs,  and 
that  with  the  body.  From  the  lungs  it  receives  nothing 
but  pure  blood,  and  to  the  body  it  sends  out  such  as  is  fit 
for  its  support. 

The  Swallow — [Esophagus.']  This  is  a  canal  or  tube, 
commencing  at.  the  mouth,  and  running  downwards  to  the 
stomach,  which-  it  joins,  and  into  which  it  empties  the  food. 
It  lies  close  to.  the  back-bone,  behind  the  wind-pipe,  and 
passes  through  the  diaphragm. 

The  Diaphragm,  or  midriff,  is  a  muscular  substance, 
composed  of  two  muscles;  the  upper  one  of  which  origin- 
ates at  the  breast  bone,  and  at  the  ends  of  the  last  ribs  on 
each  side:  the  second  muscle  starts  at  the  back-bone  of  the 
loins;  it  is  covered  on  its  under  side  by  the  peritoneum,  and 
on  the  upper  side  with' the  pleura.  The  gullet,  great  run, 
and  several  other  vessels,  pass  through  the  diaphragm. 

The  Liver — (Haper.) — The  liver  is  situated  immediate- 
ly below  the  diaphragm  to  which  it  is  attached.  It  is  the 
largest  organ  in  the  system:  it  is  divided  into  two  princi- 
pal lobes,  the  right  of  which  is  much  the  largest:  the  liv- 
er is  connected  with  the  gall  bladder,  (bile,)  and  billiary 
vessels;  its  office  appears  to  be  that  of  secreting  the  bile 
from  the  blood,  which  is  necessary  in  the  digestion  of.  food. 
A  portion  of  the  bile  is  regularly, thrown  through  the  ves- 
sels of  the  liver  and  gall  bladder,  into  the  stomach. 

The  gall  bladder,  vesicula  fettis,  is  attached  to  the  liver, 
and  lies  in  a  cavity  of  the  liver,  on  the  under  side.  It  is 
of  an  oblong  form,  and  appears  to  be  for  the  purpose  of 
containing  the  bile,  until  the  proper  time  for  it  to  be  thrown 
into  the  stomach: — the  bile  is  conveyed  from  the  gall  blad- 
der into  the  first  portion  of  the  small  intestines,  called 
duodenum,  and.from  thence  into  the  stomach. 

The  Stomach — [Stomachus.'j — The  stomach  is  a  large 
membranous  substance,  of  an  oblong,  bag-like  shape.  Its 
most  important  use  is  to  receive  the  masticated  food,  and 
retain  it  until  the  process  of  digestion  is_  so  far  completed 


16  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

as  to  reduce  the  food  to  a  pulpy,  semi-fluid  mass,  called 
chyme.  When  digestion  is  so  far  advanced  as  to  convert 
the  food  into  chyme,  [pronounced  kime,~\  it  is  poured  into 
the  duodenum,  where  it  mixes  with  the  ponchreatic  juice. 
From  this  mass,  the  absorbent  vessels,  called  lacteals,  ob- 
tain a  white  opake  fluid  termed  chyle  [pronounced  Idle.'] 
Digestion  is  principally  effected  by  the  solvent  powers  of 
the  gastric  juice,  which  is  a  fluid  secreted  in  the  stomach: 
The  solution  of  the  food  by  the  gastric  juice,  is  supposed 
to  be  a  chemical  process  decomposing  it,  and  separating 
it  into  its  elementary  principles.  The  stomach  may  just- 
ly be  considered  one  of  the  most  important  organs  in  the 
animal  economy. 

The  Melt — (Spleen.) — This  is  not  a  vital  part,  as  the 
other  organs  are,  which  have  just  been  described.  It  has 
been  removed  from  both  man  and  beast,  wiihout  the  least 
apparent  injury.  It  is  attached  to  the  stomach,  and  lies 
mostly  in  the  left  side. 

The  caul  fat  (omentum)  is  situated  under  the  membrane 
—peritoneum,  that  lines  the  belly,  and  above  the  intestines, 
it  is  a  white  gauzy  looking  substance,  it  assists  in.  form- 
ing the  bile,  serves  to  guard  the  internal  parts  against 
cold — lubricates  and  softens  such  parts  as  are  connected 
with  it,  and  in  a  state  of  starvation  it  supports  the  system; 
This  is  one  reason  why  a  fat  animal  can  sustain  life  so 
long  without  food.  It  is  very  beautiful,  and  rather  singu- 
lar in  its  appearance;  it  resembles  a  white  piece  of  fine 
net  work,  that  had  been  carelessly  tossed  down  in  a  half 
folded  position. 

The  pancrea  — a  flesh  organ — is  situated  under  the 
stomach.  It  is  of  an  irregular  oblong  form,  by  some  com- 
pared to  a  dog's  tongue.  It  is  composed  of  glands,  veins, 
nerves  and  little  ducts  or  vessels,  also  something  of  a 
fleshy  consistence.  Its  use  appears  to  be  that  of  secreting 
the  juice  that  is  to  be  mixed  with  the  chyle. 

Intestines  or  Guts — [Intestirwm.] — The  intestines  Com- 
prehend the  whole  tube,  from  the  stomach  to  the  funda- 
ment; their  office  is  to  receive  all  the  food — Retain  it  accor- 
ding toth3  laws  of  nature,  and  then  pass  off"  the  crude  or 
excrementitious  part,  according  to  the  same. 


; 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  17 

The  Kidneys. — The  kidneys  are  situated  outside  of  the 
lining  of  the  belly,  near  the  back-bone,  and  on  each  side: 
they  are  of  a  dull  red  color:  it  is  their  province  to  secrete 
the  urine  from  the  blood.  Each  kidney  receives  a  large 
artery,  which  proceeds  immediately  from  the  darta;  and 
a  vein  issuing  from  each  kidney,  returns  the  blood  to  the 
vena  cava,  after  its  superabundance  of  water  has  been 
separated  from  it.  The  urine  is  first  secreted  or  collected 
in  them,  and  excreted  or  thrown  out,  through  the  two  ca- 
nals called  ureters,  into  the  bladder.  The  ureters  are  a- 
bout  the  size  of  a  small  goose  quill.  The  kidneys  are  sub- 
ject to  derangement  in  the  performance  of  their  office,  in 
two  wrays:  First,  the  secretion4 may  be  checked,  and  a 
proper  quantity  of  fluid  not  be  carried  off:  and  secondly, 
its  secretion  may  be  too  active,  and  carry  off  too  much  of 
the  fluids. 

The  Bladder — (Vesica  Urinari  Crjstis.) — The  water 
bladder  lies  in  the  front  part  of  the  abdomen,  within  the 
basin.  Its  office  is  to  receive  the  water,  or  urine,  which 
is  collected  in  the  kidneys,  through  the  ureters;  the  urine  is 
next  discharged  by  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  through  the 
urinary  canal  (urethra)  which  reaches  Irom  the  neck  ot 
the  bladder,  to  the  end  of  the  privates.  The  muscles  at 
the  neck  of  the  bladder  are  possessed  of  very  strong  con- 
Iractive  powers,  by  which  the  bladder  is  enabled  to  retain 
the  urine  the  natural  length  of  time. 

Nerves. — The  nerves  are  small  white  fibres:  they  all 
have  their  origin  in  the  brain  and  spinal  marrow:  those 
which  issue  from  the  brain,  are  called  cerebral,  and  are 
1  ho  organs  of  sensation:  it  is  their  province  to  convey  im- 
pressions to  the  brain  from  all  parts  of  the  system: — those 
issuing  from  the  marrow  of  the  spine,  are  termed  spinal; 
it,  is  their  province  to  communicate  the  power  of  motion 
to  the  muscles.  The  nerves  all  issue  in  pairs:  there  are 
usually  reckoned  forty  pair  of  nerves,  nine  of  which  have 
their  origin  in  the  brain,  and  thirty-one  in  the  spinal  mar- 
row. It  is  by  means  of  those  that  issue  from  the  brain. 
That  we  hear,  see,  taste  smell  and  feel',  or  in  other  word^ 
they  convey  to  the  brain,  the  impressions  received  by  the 
live  organs  of  sense,  in  the  act  of  seeing,  feeling,  hearing, 
tasting  and  smelling.     A  chord  of  nerves  accompanies  ev- 

A 


13  INDIAN  GUIDE, T0  HEALTH. 

ery  artery  tolerably  close.  It  is  supposed  that  eacli  fibre 
of  the  nerves,  is  a  canal  or  tube,  through  which  the  ner- 
vous fluids  pass,  and  communicate  with  each  other,  simi- 
lar to  the.,bloo4  vessels. 

The    Arteries — (Arteria.) — The  arteries   are    two   in 
number:     First,  the  great  artery,  dorta;  second,  the  arte- 
ry of  the  lungs,  (pulmonary   artery.)     The  great  artery 
dorta,  originates  at  the  left  ventricle  or  cavity  of  the  heart, 
and  is  the  greatest  blood  vessel  in  the  body: — the    pulmo- 
nary artery  starts  from  the  right  cavity  of  the  heart;  all 
others  are  nothing  more  than  branches  of  these: — the  blood 
is  thrown  out  from  the  hearty  through  the  arteries,  to  eve- 
ry part  of  the  body.     As  the  blood  passes  through  the  ar- 
teries, the  absorbent  vessels  of  every  part  of  the  system, 
receive  their  respective  portions  of  the  nutritious  proper- 
ties of  the  blood.     The  arteries  gradually  become,  small- 
er as  they  proceed  from  the  heart,  and  terminate ,  in  the 
veins  through  the  capillary  vessels:  these  little  vessels  con- 
nect the  arteries  and  veins: — the,  arteries  are  susceptible 
of  considerable  dilation  and  elongation,  which  takes  place 
when  the  blood  is  forced  into  the  dorta  by  the    contraction 
of  the  heart,  and  when  the  action  of  the  heart  ceases,  the 
effort  of  the  artery  to  return  to  its  usual  dimension,    keeps 
a  constant  motion  of  the  blood  along  the  arteries,   during 
the  dilation    of  the  heart  to    receive  another    portion  of 
blood,  which  by  the  contraction  of  the  heart,  is  again  driv- 
en into  the  dorta,  and  thus  the  vital  tide  is  kept  in  motion. 
The  dorta  has  a  valve  at  its   orifice,  or   opening  into  the 
heart,  which  readily  admits  the  passage  of  the  blood  from 
the  heart  into  the  artery,  but  prevents  its  return  from  the 
artery  into  the  heart: — the  blood  when  it  leaves  the    heart 
is  of  a  bright  red  color,  but  as  it  returns  through  the  veins 
to  the  heart,  is  of  a  dark  purple  color. 

The  Veins. — All  have  their  origin  or  commencement,  at 
the  ends  of  the  arteries  as  I  before  stated: — the  veins  as 
they  proceed  from  the  extremities  toward  the  heart,  be- 
come larger  by  numerous  branches  intercepting  each  oth- 
er and  uniting,  until  they  are  all  concentrated  in  two  ca- 
nals, termed  vena  cava.  The  veins  have  no  pulsation  as. 
the  arteries  have;  but  in  them  the  blood  moves  smoothly 
and  slowly  on;  it  is  forced  through  the  veins  by  a  contract- 
ile power  which  they  possess;  and  as  the  blood  has  mostly 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  19 

to  run  upwards  in  the  veins,  they  are  supplied  with    little 
valves,  similar  to  those  of   a   force  pump,  so  that    as  the 
blood  ascends  in  the  veins,  the-  lid  (valve)   gives  way  till 
the  blood  passes,  then  shuts  or  closes  the  place,  so   that  no 
blood  can  fall  back.     The   blood  in  passing  through   the 
lungs  undergoes  a  great  change;- when  it  enters  the  lungs, 
it  is  of  a  dark  purple  color,  but  when  it  leaves  them  and 
returns  to  the  heart,  it  is  of  a  bright  red  color:  this-  change 
is  produced  by  the  air  inhaled  into  the  lungs.     The  blood 
in  passing  through  the  numerous   delicate- vessels   in  the 
lungs,  absorbs  oxygen  from  the  air;  and  the  air  abstracts 
oarbon  from  the  blood.     When  the  air  is  exhaled  from  the 
lungs,  a  great  portion  of  its  oxygen  has  disappeared,   and 
carbon  is  found  in  its  place: — the  blood  supplied  with  ox 
ygen  and  relieved  from  its  superabundance  of  carbon,   is" 
essentially   revived,  and  sets  out  again,  to  distribute  its 
fresh  supply  of  nutrition  and  stimulous,  to    the  different 
parts  of  the  system. 

The  Muscles. — -These  serve  to  perfect  the  form  and  com- 
plete the  symetry.  of  the  body,  but  their  most  important 
use  is  to  act  upon  the  bones  and  produce  animal  motion: 
they  terminate  at  the  ends  in  grisly  substances,  by  which 
they  are  fastened  to  the  various  parts  of  the  system.  Each 
muscle  consists  of  a  distinct  portion  of  flesh,  and  has  the 
power  of  contraction  and  relaxation:  they  are  all  in  pairs 
except  nine:  there  are  reckoned  one  hundred  and  ninety- 
tight  pair  in  the  human  system;  this  estimation  makes  the 
l.umber  of  muscles-four  hundred  and  five.  . 

The  Glands. — The  glands  are  composed  of  blood  vessels,, 
nerves,  and  absorbents.  They  are  distinguished  according 
Id  the  nature  of  their  fluid  contents,  into  mucous,  sebace- 
ous, lvmphatic,  iacrvmal  and  saliva!  glands. 

The  mucous  glands  are  situated  in  the  nose,  back  part 
of  the  mouth,  throat,  stomach,  intestines,  bladder,  &c,  and 
secrete  (which  means  to  separate  from  the  blood)  mucous, 
for  the  purpose -of  moistening  all  the  internal  surfaces  that 
need  moisture. 

The  sebaceous  glands  are  situated  in  the  arm-pits,  face  , 
pubes,  &c:  they  secrete  an  oily  substance. 

The  lymphatic  glands  are  situated  in  the  arm-pits,  mes  - 
efttary,  groin,  dec. 


20  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH 

The  salival  glands  are  situated  about  the  root  of  the 
tongue  and  angle  of  the  jaw:  they  secrete  the  substance 
called  saliva  or  spittle,  which  is  discharged  into  the  mouth. 

The  lacrymal  glands  are  situated  above  the  outer  cor- 
ners of  the  eyes:  they  secrete  the  fluid  called  tears,  which 
serves  to  moisten  the  eyes  and  aid  in  expelling  any  extra- 
neous matter  from  them.  Grief  and  sometimes  joy,  ope- 
rates in  some  unknown  manner  on  the  lachrjrmal  glands, 
so  as  to  produce  a  copious  flow  of  the  lachryma,  or  tears. 

Bkeasts  of  Females — [Mam?nce.~\ — The  breasts  of  fe- 
males are  also  regarded  as  glandular  bodies:  they  are  com- 
posed of  a  vast  number  of  small  ducts  or  vessels,  which  se- 
crete the  milk  from  the  blood.  The  vessels  which  secrete 
the  milk  as  they  approach  the  nipple,  fall  into  each  other 
and  form  eight  or  ten  large  tubes,  which  are  so  admirably 
connected,  that  if  anything  obstructs  the  passage  of  the 
milk  through  one  of  these,  it  is  discharged  through  the 
others  without  inconvenience. 

Joints,  Gristles — [Cartilages.] — The  joints  (articula- 
tions) are  fastened  together  with  white  gristly  substances 
called  cartilages:  they  are  of  the  same  texture  and  nature 
of  the  sinews  and  tendons:  they  are  very  strong  and  lasting. 

Joent  Water — {Synovia.) — This  is  a  new  kind  of  oily 
substance  that  is  contained  in  the  joints,  for  the  purpose 
of  lubricating  them:  it  greatly  facilitates  their  motion;  but 
if  this  juice  or  synovial  water  be  extracted  or  discharged, 
by  a  cut  or  otherwise,  it  never  can  be  restored,  but  the 
joint  will  remain  stiff.  "  f 

The  Sinews — (Tendons.) — By  anatomists,  the  sinews  or 
leaders,  are  called  the  terminations  or  extremities  of  the 
muscles.  They  are  white  gristly  substances,  very  strong. 
nna  may  be  split  into  the  finest  threads  imaginable. — 
They  are  very  nearly  the  same  in  the  human  system  as  in 
animals.  They  were  employed  b\  the  aboriginees  of  our 
country,  in  making  moccasins,  belts,  &c,  after  splitting 
them  to  the  proper  size. 


CHAPTER  TWO. 


The  art  of  preserving    Health  without   the  use  of 

PEDICIWE§. 

The  enjoyment  of  perfect  health,  is  certainly  one  of  the 
greatest  earthly  blessings  that  falls  to  the  lot  of  mortals. 
Without  health,  honor,  title,  wealth,  beauty,  the  kindness 
of  friendship  and  the  tenderness  of  affection,  are  all  insuf- 
ficient to  render  man  even  comfortable.  All  these  bless- 
ings fail  to  relieve  the  pangs  of  disease,  and  give  a  relish 
to  the  affairs  of  life.  The  vast  importance  of  health  will 
render  a  short  treatise  on  its  preservation  an  acceptable 
article  in  this  work.  It  will  doubtless  be  readily  acknowl- 
edged by  all,  that  it  is  much  better  to  shun  or  avoid  disease, 
than  to  remove  or  overcome  it  after  it  has  once  taken  hold 
on  the  system;  and  as  the  greatest  number  of  our  diseases 
mid  infirmities  are  the  fruits  of  infringements  on  healthy 
laws  of  nature,  how  earnestly  should  we  be  engaged  in 
correcting  and  avoiding  those  infringements.  Man,  in 
the  early  days  of  nature,  lived  in  a  state  of  perfect  health, 
both  in  body  and  in  mind.  The  friendly  hand  of  nature 
gave  him  sustenance,  without  labor  or  toil,  and  nature's 
beverage  quenched  his  thirst  without  the  aid  of  spirituous 
liquors.  Protected  by  the  immediate  presence  of  the  Al- 
mighty', innocent  of  any  violation  of  his  law — living  i;i 
the  full  enjoyment  of  his  benevolence,  man  was  happy. 
But  alas!  we  now  view  him  in  a  fallen  state:  he  has  trans- 
gressed the  sacred  laws  of  his  Creator,  God,  and  incurred 
the  penalties  annexed  to  his  transgression.  "His  days 
are  shortened  and  encumbered  with  disease."  What  a  sol- 
emn thought,  and  how  anxiously  engaged  should  we  be  to 
change  our  condition;  and  how  careful  should  we  be  to 
guard  against  evil  by  a  temperate  course  in  all  things? — 
Health  can  only  be  secured  and  retained  by  temperate 
habits;  it  is  a  jewel,  generally  found  in  the  possession  of 
those  only  who  have  "moral  firmness  enough  to  curb  their 
lust,  check  their  appetites,  control  their  passions,  and  sub- 
mit to  the  regulations  of  virtuous  and  temperate  habits. — 
Irregularity  and  intemperance  in  eating,  drinking,  sleep- 
ing and  exercise,  lays  the  foundation  of  most  diseases  with 
which  the  human  family  is  afflicted. 

Calmly  retire  like  evening  light! 
And  cheerful  bid  the  world  good- 
night, 
Let  virtue  and  temperance  preside. 
Our  best  physiciaj),  friend  &  guide.' 


"Would  you  extend  your  narrow  span, 
And  make  the  most  of  life  you  can; 

Would  yuu  when  medicines  cannot  save, 
Descend  with  ease  into  the  grave? 


22  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

SECTION  I. 

OF   &IR. 

Mush    might  be  said  relative   to  the   different  gasses 
"which  compose  the  atmosphere,  or  air;  for  it  is  not  as  ma- 
'  ny.  persons  suppose,  a  simple  element,  but  is   composed  of 
'  unequal  portions  of  oxygen,  nitrogen,  and  carbonic  acid. 
But  as  a  scientific  treatise  on  this  subject  properly  belongs 
to  the  chemist,  I  will  leave  the  subject  with  him,  and  con- 
fine my  observations  more  particularly  to  the  effects  which 
the  different  states  of  the  atmosphere  has  on  the  body. 

Air  is  rendered  impure  and  unwholesome  in  many  wajj; 
•  such  air  should  be  avoided  as  much  as  practicable.  T&e 
air  in  cities,  crowded  assemblies,  whether  in-doors  or  out, 
is  not  wholesome.  That  in  deep  weiis,  damp  cellars, 
close  dungeons,  caves,  &c,  is  apt  to  become  infected.  Ma- 
ny persons  have  instantly  expired  on  going/ "down  into  deep 
weils  or  caves,  where  air  composed  of  undue  proportions 
of  the  above  named  gasseshad  settled.  It  may  readily  be 
ascertained  whether  a  well  or  cave  contains  such  air,  by 
putting  in  them  a  lighted  candle.  If  the  candle  continues 
io  burn,  the  air  is  composed  of  such  proportions  of  the  dif- 
ferent gasses,  as  is  necessary  for  the  support  of  animal  life. 
and  may  be  entered  with  safet\;  but  if  the  candle  goes 
out,  the  air  is  not  such  as  will  support  animal  life,  but  will 
produce  instantaneous  death.  Air  confined  in  close'  a- 
partments  where  there  is  hot  fires,  is  pernicious  to  health. 
Many  persons  injure  their  health  by  sitting  or  lying  in 
rooms  kept  hot  by  large  fires  and  -not  sufficiently  ventil- 
ated, or  dried.  Air  extremely  hot  or  cold,  is  equally  dele- 
terious, and  should  be  equally  avoided,  particularly  by 
persons  of  delicate  constitutions.  Night  air  is  very  per- 
nicious to  health,  as  is  also  the  air  between  sunset  and 
dark. 

The  body  may  be  comfortably  clad,  and  yet  much  inju- 
ry to  the  health  be  sustained  by  exposure  to  a  damp  cold 
atmosphere;  for  it  should  always  be  remembered  that  it  is 
equally  dangerous  to  inhale  it  into  the  lungs,  as  to  admit 
its  free  access  to  the  external  surface  of  the  body;  the  con- 
sumptive and  asthmatic  should  bear  this  well  in  mind,  if 
they  would  value  their  own  safety. 

Dry  air  moderately  cool,  is  the  most  salubrious  bath  to 
the  healthy  and  infirm.     A  strong  current  of  air  should  al- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  23 

'way?  be  avoided.  Never  sit  or  lie  in  a  current  of  air  pas- 
sing through  a  window  Or  door,  especially  while  warm; 
it  checks  perspiration,  chills  the  blood;  and  often  lays  the 
foundation  of  incurable  diseases. 


SECTION  II. 

Exercises. — Moderate  and  regular  exercise  is  as  essen- 
tial to  the  preservation  of  health,  as  foot!  is  to  the  support 
of  our  bodies.  It  keeps  up  a  regular  circulation  of  the  flu- 
ids, aids  digestion,  promotes  the  necessary  secretions  and 
excretions,  arid  invigorates  the  frame.  It  prepares  the 
body  to  be  refreshed  with  sleep,  and  makes  even  the  bed 
ofstraworthe  hunter's  blanket  pleasant:  "it  furnishes  an 
appetite  that  relishes  plain  and  wholesome  food,  and  pre- 
serves the  healthy  tone  of  the  digestive  organs.  It  gives 
clearness  to  the  brain,  vivacity  to  the  spirits,  cheerfulness 
to  the  mind,  and  elasticity  to  the  whole  s}*stem." 

Exercise  increases  the  strength  of  our  nerves,  of  our 
museles,  of  our  sinews,  and  invigorates  every  fibre  of  the; 
whole  system.  To  prove  this,  we  have  only  to  turn  our 
attention  to  the  aboriginees  of  America.     They  spent  their 

I  lives  in  the  active  pursuits  of  the  chase  in  the  open  air; 
their  diet  and  dress  were  of  the  simplest  kind;  they  rose 
from  their  blankets  at  the  dawn  of  morn,  after  having  en- 
joyed a  refreshing  nights  sleep,  .and  prepared  themselves 
for  their  homely  but  wholesome  repast  by  active    exercise 

|  in  the  open  air.  A  knowledge  of  the  if  habits,  lives,  disea- 
ses, &ti,  will  also  show  that  exercise  is  a  great  guarantee 
against  a  host  of  diseases  with  which  the  "pale-face"  is  so 
often  afflicted,  but  is  seldom  found  in  the  wig- warns  of  the 
"red  man."  Among  these  are  Consumption,  liver  com- 
plaints, dyspepsy,  hysterics,  and  many  others  too  tedious 
to  mention.  Exercise  is  necessary  from  infancy.  Only 
look  at  country  children,  who 'are  accustomed  to  exer- 
cise andiridustry,  how  much  more  active  and  stout  they 
are,  than  those  of  large  towns,  where  they  are  cooped  up 
in  small' rooms.  Also  look  at  the  rich  and  indolent,  and 
those  wfao  labor  for  their  living.     While  the  opulent   and 

!  idle  complain  of  ill-feeling  and  nervous  weakness,  the  man 
of  moderate  exercise  is  vigorous,  his  appetite  good,  his 
sleep  refreshing,  and  his  mind  cheerful.  More  than  half 
of  the  female  diseases,  especially  such  as  are  connected 


24  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.. 

with  hysterics  and  nervous  affecti@ns,  arise  Irona  want  of 
clue  exercise  in  the  open  and  pure  air. 

Neglect  to  taste  the  morning  air, 
It  will  yojir  nerves   with  vigor  brace, 

Improve  and'  heighten  every  graced 
Add  to  yo«r  breath  a  rich  perfume, 

And  to  your  cheeks  a  fairer  bloom;. 
With  lustre  teach  your  eyes  to  glow, 
And  healths  and  cheerfulness  bestow  .' 


"How  sweet  at  early  dawn  to  rise, 
And  view  the  glories  of  the  skies; 

To  mark  with  curious  eye  the  sun, 
Begin  his  radiant  course  to   run; 

Mcr  fairest  fonn  then  nature  weajs, 
And  clad  in  brightest  green  appears. 

Nor  you,  ye  delicate  and  fair, 


Exercise  not  only,  preserves  health  and  prevents  disease, 
but  aids  greatly  in  relieving  diseases  even  of  the  most  ob- 
stinate character.  Without  exercise,  medicine  will  fail 
to  have  the  desired  effect  in  a  great  measure. 


SECTION  in. 

•HBMr.     ' ,  , 

Of  Sleep. — It  is  impossible  for  us  to  enjoy  good  health, 
unless  blessed  with  sound  and  refreshing  sleep,  for  with- 
out this  tender  nurse  of  weary  nature,  the  whole  frame  is. 
thrown  into  disorder,  and  the  mind  is  much  confused  and 
weakened.     When  we  are  asleep,  all  the  voluntary  pow- 
ers, such  as  seeing,  hearing,  feeling,  &c,  are  in  a  state  of 
suspension,,  or  rest,  while  on  the  other  hand,  the  involunta- 
ry powers,  the  circulation,  digestion,  &c,  are  increased, 
both  in  regularity  and  activity.     A  more  uniform  circula- 
tion is  kept  up  throughout  the  system   when  asleep   than 
when  awake.     I  have  often  heard  persons  .remark,   with 
some  degree  of  astonishment,  that  they  would  immediate- 
ly begin  to  sweat  on  tying  down  and  going  to  sleep  in  day- 
time;  whereas,  they  might  lie  awake   for    hours    on  the 
same  bed  and  not  sweat.     The  cause  is  obvious,  our  sever- 
al senses  are  at  rest,  and  the  circulation  increased.     The 
principal  directions  necessary  to  be  given  on  this  subject, 
are  to  take  a  proper  portion  of  sleep  at  seasonable  hours. 
The  quantity  of  sleep   necessary   for  each   person   every 
tW3nty-four  hours,  is   hard  to   decide:  it  requires  much 
moye  for  some  than  for  others.    When  a  person  rises  in  the 
morning,  and  does  not  feel  refreshed,   he  may  rest  assured 
that  he  has  slept  too  much  or  not  enough.     The  best  rule 
is  to  ascertain  how  much  sleep  you  really  need,  and  when 
you  have  obtained  that  quantum,  rise  from  your  bed  im- 
mediately, andnotflie  dosing,  and  try  to  Yorce  yourself  into 
sleep  contrary  fco  nature,  for  too  much  sleep  acd  too  little 
exercise,  produce  languor  and  debility;  the  uer^s  become 


INDIAN  eUTIM  TO  HEALTH.  •        2$ 

relaxed,  the  flesh  flab&y  and  soft.  Feather  beds  are- un- 
healthy, especially  in  warm  weather;  A  straw  bed  or 
matrass  is  much  better  for  the  health  than  feathers.  A 
person  wishing  to  enjojv  good  health  should  never  retire 
to  bed  immediately  after  eating  a  hearty  meal. 


SECTION    IV. 

Clothingv-*— Clothing  should  be  suited  to  the  age,  consti- 
tution, and  seasons.  It  should  not  be  too  warm  in  sum- 
mer nor  too  cold  in  winter.  All  kinds  of  clothing  should 
be  made  loose  and  easy,  so  as  not  to  bind  or  cramp  any 
part  of  the  body:  every  attempt  to  give  a  good  form  by 
clothing  is  not  only  foolish  in  itself,  but  absolutely  perni- 
cious to  health.  Tight  lacing  not  only  obstructs  the 
general  circulation  of  the-  fluids,  but  oppresses  the  motion 
of  the  heart  and  lungs,  and  retards  the  wheels  of  life  in 
the  performance  of  their  vital  functions.  The  effects  of 
tight  lacing  are  bad  health,  coughs,  indigestion,  pleurisy* 
liver  complaints,  consumptions,  &c. 

Young  persons  need  not  be  so  warmly  clothed  as  those 
who  have  passed  the  meridian  of  life.  The  weakly  and 
those  bordering  on  old  age,  should  wear  flannel.  Wet 
and  damp  clothes  should  be  particularly  avoided:  no  fresh 
clothing  should  be  put  on  without  airing  by  the  fire,  no 
odds  how  long  since  it  was  washed.  Many  young  per- 
sons injure  their  health  by  putting  on  damp  clothes,  lying 
on  damp  sheets,  &c.  Here  much  rests  with  their  mothers; 
for  such  carelessness  seldom  fails  to  destroy  the  health, 
and  often  seats  some  incurable  disease  on  the  system. — 
These  remarks  are  partisularly  applicable  to.yoUng  ladies 
who  so  often,  when  in  a  hurry,  dressing  for  balls,  church- 
es^&c,  risk  their  health  and  even  lives,  by  putting  oci 
damp  dressings  stockings,  &c. 


SECTIONV. 

Of  Pood  and  Drink. — We  cannot  live  without  foed  and: 
drink,  and  some  attention  to  the  quality  of  both  food  and 
drink,  is  essential  to  health.  It  would,  however,  be  im- 
possible to  specify  in  this  short  work,  the  effects  of  every 
kind  of  diet,  or  to  designate  the  quantity  or  kind  of  food 
which  will  be  most  beneficial  to  t^e  different  constitutions. 


^2&  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

"Diet  may  not  only  change  the  constitution,  but  it  !  has 
beenkliownto  cure  diseases,  and  it  has  this  advantage 
over  medicine,  it  is  not  disagreeable  to  take."  Different 
constitutions  require  different  quantities  and  qualities  of 
food.  The  best  directions  that  can  here  be  given,  a're  to 
be  moderate  as  to  quantity,  and  let  the  food  be  plain  and 
simple,  use  only  such  diet  as  agrees  with  the  stomach. — 
Eating  of  a  single  dish  at  a  meal,  is  more  healthy  than  in- 
dulging in  a  great  variety.  A  diet  composed  of  a  proper 
mixture  of  vegetable  and  animal  substances,  will  probably 
be  found  most  nutricious  and  salubrious.  Rich  sauces, 
high  seasoned  provisions,  where  a  variety  of  ingredients 
are  intermingled,  overload  the  stomach,  and  tend  to  pro- 
duce dyspepsy.  The  flesh  of  young  animals  is  more  nu- 
tricious, and  easier  to  digest  than  that  of  old  ones.  Per- 
sons whoso  constitutions  are  weak,  ought  to  avoid  eating 
food  that  is  tough  and  indigestible.  All  rational  persons 
who  have  arrived  at  mature  age,  are  sufficiently  acquain- 
ted with  themselves,  to  know  by  a"  little  attention  what 
kinds  and  qualities  of  diets  best  agree  with  them:  they 
should  use  such  diets,  and  at  such  times  as  best  agree  with 
them;  and  if  heads  of  families,  they  should  pay  some  at- 
tention to  what  kinds  of  diets  best  agree  with  its  different 
branches. 

The  best  rules  for  eating,  are  to  have  your  meals  regu- 
larly, never  fast  too  long  or  eat  heavy  suppers.  Long 
fasts  produce  cholic,  sick  head-ache,  costiveness,  &c. — 
Breakfast  and  dinner  should  be  something  substantial,  sup- 
per should  be  light,  and  we  should  never  lie  down  imme- 
diaely  after  eating, 

As  to  drinks,  pure  water  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to 
health.  Many  persons  think  that  it  is  pernicious  to  health 
to  drink  water  before  breakfast,  but  this  is  certainly  a  mis-' 
lake.  A  reasonable  portion  of  water  taken  betore  break- 
last,  prepares  the  stomach  for  food  and  facilitates  diges- 
tion. Water  however  should  never  be  drank  in  large 
quantities  when  over  heated,  as  it  is  apt  to  produce  dis- 
ease, and  sometimes  immediate  death.  Coffee,  tea,  choc- 
olate and  milk,  are  all  wholesome  for  such  persons  as  they 
agree  with,  but  must  be  decided  by  experience,  as  every 
person  is  best  calculated  to  judge  for  himself. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH,  27 

SECTION    VI. 

Of  Cleanliness. — Cleanlinesses  too  'great  a  preserva- 
tive of  health,  to  be  overlooked  in  a  treatise  on  the  art  of 
preserving  it.  It  clears  the  skin  of  impurities,  and  pro- 
motes perspiration;  it  will  even,  in  many  instances,  cure 
cutaneous  diseases:  it  prevents  the  communication  of  in- 
fection! In  towns  it  should  be  the  object  of  public  attention, 
as  many  diseases  owe  their  origin,  as  well  as  virulency,  to 
the  neglect  of  it. 

Cleanliness,  though  not  a  virtue  in  itself,  approaches"! 
that  character,  and  should  be  observed  with  the  greatest 
scrupulosity,  and  appreciated  almost  as  a  virtue.  It  is  ne- 
cessary to  decency — it  affords  personal  comfort,  and  is  one 
means  of  rendering  us  acceptable  to  society.  It  is  an  ev- 
idence of  gentility,  regarded  as  necessary  by  the  higher 
ranks  of  society,  and  is  an  ornament  to  every  class;  and 
without  it  neither  health  nor  respectability  can  be  long 
maintained.  It  is  praiseworthy  among  those  who  enjoy 
good  health,  and  still* more  important  to  those  who  are 
afflicted. 

Cleanliness  of  the  body  is  to  be  effected  by  changing  the 
dress  at  proper  periods,  and  by  washing  its  surface.  Fre- 
quent bathing  braces  the  nerves  and  vivifies  the  spirits. — - 
Bathing  is  a  powerful  preserver  and  restorer  of  health;  it 
softens  and  cleanses  the  skin,  opens  the  pores,  promotes 
.perspiration,  and  invigorates  the  whole  system. 


SECTION    VII. 

Ov  T'li'E  Passions. — Man  is  a  complicated  machine,  his 
ftdul  and  body  mutually  affecting  each  other.  Much  has 
been  aiid  might  still  be  ''Written  on  this  subject:  but  as  I  do 
not  intend  entering  into  a  general  or  scientific  dissertation 
on  the  passions,  I  will  confine  my  remarks  to  their  influ- 
ence on  the  physical  system.  The  influence  of  the  pas- 
sions on  the  human  system  have  long%een  observed,  and 
sometimes  remarkable  cures  have  been  effected  by  opera- 
ting only  on  the  mind.  The  restoration  of  tranquility, 
and  the  diffusion  of  contentment  and  serenity,  is  often  ne- 
cessary, in  order  to  give  medicines  a  fair  opportunity  of 
having  their  accustomed  efficacy.  The  subordinate  in- 
dulgence of  passion,  frequently  induces  disease  of  a  stub- 


28  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

born  character,  by  destroying  the  power  of  digestion,  en- 
feebling the  circulation,  affecting  the  brain  and  nervous 
system,  &c.  &c.  But  how  mind  and  matter  reciprocally 
acton  each  other,  is  a  mystery  which  I  leave  to  be  devel- 
oped by  the  researches  of  the  profound  philosopher.— 
When  passions  run  counter  to  reason  and  religion,  they 
produce  the  most  frightful  catastrophes.  "When  passion 
reigns  reason  is  dethroned." 

Young  persons  should  early  be  taught  to  control  their 
passions,  as  "the  early  management  and  control  of  the  pas- 
sions by  a  proper  education,  is  the  best  guard  against  their 
mischievous  effects  at  any  period  of  life.  When  the  hab- 
it is  once  established,  their  control  then  becomes  compar- 
atively easy;  but  when  the  curb  of  piety,  reason  or  habit 
is  not  put  on  them,  the  ordinary  excitements  of  unexpected 
circumstances,  spurs  them  into  a  gallop." 

Of  Anger. — Anger  is  a  sudden  emotion  of  displeasure, 
excited  by  some  supposed  or  real  injury,  offered  either  to 
our  persons,  characters  or  rights.  Although  anger  is  one 
of  the  most  powerful  and  dangerous  passions,  both  to  our- 
selves and  to  the  object  of  our  wrath,  yet  we  have  as  much 
or  more  power  in  governing  it,  than  any  other  of  the  pas- 
sions, to  a  certain  extent.  The  intensity  of  this  passion 
does  not  depend  entirely  upon  the  magnitude  of  the  insult 
received,  but  also  upon  the  pride,  or  rather  vanity,  of  the 
individual  who  receives  it.  When  an.  individual  who  has 
an  exalted  or  overrated  opinion  of  his  own  dignity  and  im- 
portance receives  an  insult,  his.  vanity >  like  a  magnifying 
glass,  enlarges  it  into  the  most  aggravated  injury,  and  con- 
sequently, his  ready  resentment  will  equal  the  supposed 
magnitude  of  the  offence.  Persons  addicted  to  violent 
and  unrestrained  fits  of  anger,  are  too  often  induced  by 
the  irritation  of  the  moment,  to  perpetrate  acts,  of  the  most 
alarming  and  outrageous  character.  Such  deeds  of  rash- 
ness lead  to  the  prison,  and  even  the  gallows. 

Anger  is  a  disease  of  the  mind,  a  short-lived  insanity, 
producing  the  rashest,  maddest  deeds  of  folly.  This  is  the 
passion  which  has  raised  up  nation  against  nation,  which 
has  destroyed  millions  of  the  human  race,  and  desolated 
wtiole  countries.  It  is  even  sometimes  seen  to  deform  the 
maiden  cheek  with  a  frown.  It  disqualifies  its  subjects 
for  all  kinds  of  business,  or  social  intercourse  with  his  fel- 


Indian  guide  to  health.  20 

low  beings,  and  renders  him  miserable  to  himself  and  his 
associates.  The  storms  of  this  passion  have  in  some  instan* 
ces  been  so  violent,  as  to  produce  immedtate  death.  Ev- 
ery passion  grows  by  indulgence,  and  anger  when  unre- 
strained, is  apt  to  degenerate  into  cruelty;  and  as  self  gov- 
ernment and  habit  are  the  best  preventatives  of  this  dread- 
ful and  frightful  monster,  how  early  and  cautious  should 
examples  of  mildness  and  good  humor  be  set  before  chil- 
dren by  their  parents.  They  should  be  taught  to  control 
this  passion  above  all  other  things,  for  you  may  plainly  ob- 
serve the  pernicious  effects  which  anger  produces  on  a 
child  when  indulged  in  it,  as  well  as  on  a  person  of  ma- 
ture age. 

"The  exercise  of  patience  is  not  only  a  duty,  the  perfor- 
mance of  which  prevents  all  the  deleterious  effects  of  an- 
ger, but  it  is  an  infallible  mark  of  a  great  and  dignified 
soul."  Due  attention  to  the  formation  of  our  habits  will 
readily  bring  this  passion  under  the  salutary  restraints  of 
prudence  and  reason;  but  if  suffered  to  rage  without  re- 
straint, and  to  be  blown  into  a  flame  on  every  occasion,  it 
soon  becomes  ungovernable. 

Of  Hatred. — This  detestable  passion  is  the  voluntary 
fruit  of  a  depraved  soul:  it  is  a  voluntary  and  deep-rooted 
dislike,  that  seems  to  have  its  seat  in  the  angry  passions 
of  the  heart.  Hatred  is  not  in  general,  in  consequence  of 
provocation: — the  object  is  not  hated  because  it  is  odious, 
but  because  it  interferes  with  inclination,  &c.  Hatred  is 
a  degrading  passion;  it  is  not  contented  with  merely  wish- 
ing evil  to  the  objects  of  its  fiendish  malignity,  but  derives 
its  only  pleasure  from  their  misery  and  destruction.  Ha- 
ired has  very  appropriately  been  termed  the  "Bane  of 
peace — the  ulcer  of  the  soul." 

,  "When  hatred  is  in  a  bosom  nursed, 
Peace  cannot  reside  in  a  dwelling  so  accursed." 

This  detestable  passion  when  permitted  to  occupy  a 
place  in  the  human  breast,  will  soon  make  mom  for  its. 
sister  passion — Envy,  Slander,  their  offspring,  will  soon 
ibllow.  Slander,  whtse  mouth  is  ever  full  of  lies,  is  truly 
said  to  be  the  "foulest  whelp  of  sin."  Enmity,  ill-will, 
ranchor,  malice  and  spite,  are  modifications  of  this  base 
passion — Anger.  They  seek  the  misery,  and  are  delight- 
ed in  the  misfortunes  and  destruction  of  their  objects.     A- 


30  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

version,  detestation  and  the   like,  when  kept   in    proper •? 
bounds,  are  allowable  emotions  of  the  soul;  they   are  not ' 
personal  feelings,  directed  against  the  object  independent 
and  regardless  ot  its  qualities,  but  they  are  emotions  pro- 
duced by  actions  or  things: — thus  the.  virtuous  and  honor-  - 
able,  detest  the  base,  the  treacherous,  &c.     Hatred,  ope- 
rating as  it  does  upon  the  mind,  cannot  fail  to  injure  the 
body>.  It  destroys  the  happiness^  and  consequently  im-  - 
pairs  the  health. 

Esvv. — Envy,  like  hatred,  is  a  low,  degrading,  and  de- 
testable passion.     It  is  ever  blind  to  the  virtues  and  ac- 
complishments of  others,  but    quick-sighted  in   detecting 
imperfections  that  none  else  can    see.     Envy,  like  anger, 
is  the  bane  of  peace,  the  ulcer  of  the  soul.     Solomon  says 
"Envy  is  the  rottenness  of  the  bones."     It  is  a  sensation 
of  uneasiness,  accompanied  with  malignity,  excited  by  the 
superior  accomplishments  or  advantages  of  a  rival.     It 
has  its  seat  or  root  in  an  overrated  self-love  and    thirst  for 
praise,  desiring  to  be  esteemed  superior  to  others,  without 
efforts  to  merit  such  esteem.     It  never  seeks  to  excel  a  ri- 
val by  the  practice  of  virtues  superior  to  his,  but   labors 
to  degrade  him  to  its  own  level.     The  means  employed  to 
accomplish  this  vile  purpose,  is  Slander,  and  thus  the  three 
enemies  to  all  the  fair  forms  of  truth,  honor,  peace    and 
happiness,  unite  their  fiendish  powers  to  destroy  both  soul 
and  body. 

"Envy  commands  a  secret  band.  With  fatal  aim  attacks  by  night, 

With  sword  and  poison  in  his  hand;  His  troops  advance  with  silent  tread , 

Around  his  haggard  eyeballs  roll,  Antf  stab  the    hero  in  his  bed, 

A  thousand  fiends  possess  his  soul.  Or  shoot  the  wing'd  malignant  lie, 

The  hellish  unsuspected  sprite,  And  female  honors  pine  or  die." 

Avarice. — I  copy  the  following  able  piece  on  this  sub- 
ject, from  the  writings  of  A.  H.  Mathes: 

"Avarice  is  a  sordid  passion.  It  is  a  craving  anxiety 
after  property:  a  rapacity  in  getting,  and  a  tenacity  in 
holding  it.  It  is  a  grovelling  passion,  that  seeks  for  hap- 
piness beneath  the  skies,  and  expects  to  realize,  by  hoard- 
ing up  perishing  dust,  permanent  enjoyments.  When  this 
sordid  passion  takes  possession  of  the  heart,  farewell  all 
sentiments  of  honor — all  correct  notions  of  honesty,  the 
only  rule  of  right,  and  measure  of  wrong  with  the  miser 
in  his  own  interest:  no  other  argument  can  reach  his  sei 


INDIAN  GUIBfE  T0  HEALTH.  31 

fi.sk  soul.  Farewell  to  all  natural  affections^  and  all  the 
objects  of  gratitude;,  it  wrests  the  last,  drop  of  humanity, 
from  the  bosom,  and  strips  it  of  the  last  feeling  of  com- 
passion. The  shrill  cry  of  justice,  or  the  deep  groans  of 
want,  are  notes  equally  beyond  his  compass.  He  can  be 
hold  misfortune's  most  afflicted  sons,  driven  by  adversity's 
fiercest  gale,  wrecked  on  the  ocean  of  poverty,  with  scarce 
a  broken  piece  of  the  wreck,  to  buoy  their  heads  above  the 
waves  of  utter  want,  without  one  pensive  reflection 
Without  a  sigh  he  can  strip  nakedness  of  its  rags,  and  rob 
poverty  of  its  crusts,  or  enter  the  forlorn  cabin  of  the  wid- 
ow, and  exact  the  uttermost  farthing,  leaving  her  father- 
less babes  breadless. 

Avarice  unties  the  bonds  of  society,  and  robs  the  miser 
of  one  of  the  greatest  blessings  in  it — the  mutual  commu- 
nication of  kind  offices.  It  dries  up  the  fountain  of  hu- 
manity, obliterates  every  sentiment  of  generosity,  and  free  • 
zes  up  every  stream  of  sympathy.  As  soon  may  you  ex- 
pect to  pluck  the  blooming  rose  under  the  frozen  pole,  as 
to  find  the  warmth  of  affection  in  the  miser's  frigid  heart. 
From  a  region  so  barren  of  virtue,  men  no  more  expect  to 
reap  the  fruits  of  charity,  than  they  expect  to  gather 
grapes  from  the  thistle,  or  figs  from  the  bramble.  This 
base  passion  robs  the  man  of  content;  for  although  nature 
is  content  with  few  things,  avarice  is  not  content  with  all 
things;  it  tortures  the  soul  and  wastes  the  body  with  cra- 
ving,anxiety.  His  thievish  fancy  hears  in  every  sound 
the  approach  of  the  robber.  Of  all  the  sons  of  foil*,,  who 
barter  time  for  eternity,  life  for  death,  heaven  for  hell, 
none  do  it  on  easier  terms  than  the  wretched  worshiper 
at  mammon's  shrine,,  s,who  to  the  clink  of  mammon's  box 
gives  most  greedy  and  rapacious  ear;"  'tis  the  only  music 
thai  can  charm  him.  Avarice  renders  a  man  poor  in  the 
midst  of  wealth,  his  niggard  soul  can  scarce  ailow  a  scan- 
ty supply  of  food  and  raiment  to  his  body,  and  for  fear  of 
future  penury,  reduces  himself  to  present  and  utter  want, 

"And  oh!  what   man's  condition   can 

be  worse 
Than  his,  whom  plenty   starves,    and 

blessings  curst? 
The  beggars  but  a  common  fate  de 

plore. 
The  rich  man  is  emphatically  poor, 


I 


If  cares  and  troubles,  envy,  grief  and 

fear, 
Be  the   bitter  fruits    that    fair  riches 

bear ; 
If  utter  poverty  grows  out  of  store. 
The  old  plain  way  is  best — let  me  bs 

poor!" 

Avarice  is  accompanied  with  extreme  eagerness  to  make 


|2  INDIAN  GUIpa  TO  HEALTH. 

money, /with  distressing  fears  about  keeping  it,  and  with 
inconsolable  grief  for  fear  of  losing  it;  besides  heart-ache, 
enviesyjealousies,  sleepless  nights,  wearisome  days,  and 
numberless  other  ills  which  it  inflicts  on  its  slaves,  ruining 
their  hfealth,  and  dragging  them  to  the  grave  with  some 
wasting  malady,  or  hurrying  them  there  by  rash,  horrible 
suicide." 

The  miser  on  being  disappointed  in  an  advantageous 
trade  which  he  had  thought  almost  confirmed,  and  fancied 
'himself  in  possession  of  his  new  treasure;  in  losing  the  best 
of  the  market  for  his  produce;  or  in  having  his  hordes  rob- 
bed of  their  idolized  and  shining  dust,  has,  in  many  instan- 
ces, been  so  smitten  with  grief,  as  to  produce  insanity,  or 
rendered  life  so  burdensome  as  to  induce  him  to  commit 
suicide. 

Feas. — Fear  was  given  to  man  as  a  sentinel  of  self-pre- 
servation. It  induces  us  to  take  measures  to  avert,  if  pos- 
sible, the  apprehended  ill,  and  secure  personal  safety. — 
Apprehension,  dread,  &c,  are  modifications  of  the  same" 
passion.  We  apprehend  what  is  possible,  fear  what  is 
probable,  and  dread  what  is  certain. 

Fear  has  a  salutary  influence  in  society,  amongst  those 
who  are  now  governed  by  the  principles  of  virtue.  The 
fear  of  reproach,  punishment,  &c,  often  rertrains  the  hand 
of  violence,  injustice  and  oppression. 

Fear  like  every  other  passion,  is  liable  to  excess,  and 
when  thus  indulged,  instead  of  warding  off  anticipated  e- 
vils,  it  often  brings  on  the  very  calamities  which  are  so 
much  dreaded,  and  becomes  hurtful  to  both  body  and 
mind.  Fear  indulged  to  excess,  robs  its  possessor  of  res- 
olution, reflection,  and  judgment,  and  degenerates  into 
cowardice,  which  is  a  base  passion,  and  beneath  the  dig- 
nity of  man.  No  passion  has  a  greater  tendency  to  pro- 
duce and  aggravate  disease  than  fear,  when  improperly 
indulged.  It  impedes  the  circulation,  disorders  the  stom- 
ach and  bowels,  enfeebles  vital  action,  and  has  a  direct 
and  instantaneous  tendency  to  produce  spasms  on  the 
whole  system;  and  instances  are  not  wanting,  in  which  a 
sudden  and  excessive  fc'sht,  has  produced  immediate 
death. 

The  practice  of  frightening  children  and  grown  persons, 
is  often  productive  of  the  most  deleterious  consequences. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  33 

Children  are  often  fearful  in  the  dark.  This  should  be 
overcome  by  persuasion  and  argument  rather  than  force. 
By  proper  treatment  on  the  part  of  the  parents  or  nurse, 
such  unfounded  fears  will  soon  vanish;  on  the  contrary,  if 
they  are  encouraged  by  dismal  stories  of  witches,  ghosts, 
raw-head  and  bloody-bones  and  the  like,  they  will  grow 
and  become  so  deeply  rooted,  that  to  shake  them  off  in  ma- 
ture years,  will  be  almost  a  matter  of  impossibility. 

Hope. — Hope  is  an  enlivening  passion,- it  is  a  pleasur- 
able emotion  of  the  mind,  excited  by  the  anticipation  of 
some  desirable  object  considered  attainable.  It  matters 
not,  in  what  vocation  we  embark,  it  is  our  anchor  to  the 
last  breath.  We  are  supported  by  it  in  every  difficulty. — 
It  is  hope  with  its  offspring,  fortitude,  that  enables  us  to 
bear  all  the  toils,  tumults,  pains  and  vexations,  which  we 
have  to  encounter  while  passing  through  this  "  World  of 
thorns."  "  It  is  the  first  friend  that  offers  solace  to  the 
sons  of  affliction;  it  is  the  last  to  forsake  them."  Take 
from  us  hope,  and  life  itself  would  be  a  burthen  ! 

Hope  is  productive  of  the  most  salutary  effects,  both  on 
our  bodies  and  minds,  differing  in  this  respect  from  all  our 
other  passions.  When  engaged  in  the  pursuits  of  life,  and 
enjoying  ordinary  health,  it  is  attended  with  many  favor- 
able effects  without  possessing  any  physical  disadvantages, 
and  what  a  powerful  effect  it  has  when  laboring  under 
pain  and  diseases  of  the  body  !  It  raises  the  spirits;  it  in- 
creases the  action  and  power  of  the  heart;  gives  vigor  to 
the  nervous  system;  moderates  the  p'ulse;  causes  breath- 
ing to  be  more  full  and  free,  quickens  all  the  secretions  and 
gives  tone  and  strength  to  the  whole  system.  The  chris- 
tian's hope  extends  beyond  this  vale  of  tears  and  enables 
him,  in  the  hist  struggle  of  death,  to  cry  out:  "  Oh  !  grave 
where  is  thy  victory,  Oh  !  death  where  is  thy  sting." 

Joy. — Joy  is  a  high  degree  of  pleasure,  excited  by  the  at- 
tainment or  possession  of  some  desired  good — the  recep- 
tion of  good  news,  &c.  &c.  Delight,  gladness,  mirtn, 
cheerfulness  and  the  like,  are  different  modifications  of  this 
passion.  Joy  is  pleasure  at  high  tide.  Wlien  indulged 
in  moderation  it  has  a  salutary  effect  on  both  the  body 
and  mind  ;  but  if  it  should  be  excessive  or  very  sudden,  it 
frequently  does  serious  and  lasting  injury  to  persons  in 

B 


34  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

good  health  ;  and  instances  have  occurred,  in  which  it  pro- 
duced immediate  death.  Persons  of  an  ardent,  lively  tem- 
perament, and  of  delicate  nervous  sensibility,  are  mort  li- 
able to  suffer  serious  or  fatal  consequences  from  sudden 
transports  of  this  passion,  Precautionary  means  should 
be  used  to  prevent  such  sudden  transports  of  excessive  joy, 
by  preparing  the  mind  gradually  to  meet  its  emotions,  and 
by  this  means  its  dangerous  effects  will  be  obviated. 


S  E  C  T  I  O  N  XL 

CJRIEF. 

This  depressing  emotion  of  the  mind,  is  produced  by  the 
suffering  of  some  calamity,  or  by  sustaining  the  loss  of 
something  that  contributed  to  our  happiness.  The  inten- 
sity of  the  passion  is  generally  in  the  proportion  to  the  es- 
timate we  place  on  the  object  lost.  Indulged  grief  often 
becomes  settled  melancholy — its  victim  sinks  into  despaii- 
and  fatal  insanity.  Sorrow,  grief,  melancholy,  despair, 
&c,  seem  to  be  different  modifications  of  the  same  passion. 
Whether  grief  proceeds  from  real  or  imaginary  causes, 
the  destructive  influence  is  the  same  on  the  healthy  action 
of  the  system.  It  destroys  the  digestive  powers — oppres- 
ses the  lungs  and  weakens  the  nerves — it  produces  sleep- 
less nights,  head  aches,  weak  eyes,  costiveness,  palpita- 
tions of  the  heart  and  not  unfrequently  insanity  and  death. 
How  frequently  do  we  see  our  fellow  mortal  weighed 
down  with  this  depressing  passion,  their  pale  and  furrow- 
ed cheeks  tell  us  they  are  sick  !  ah  !  and  of  what?  of  eve- 
ry thing  and  nothing  ! !  They  apply  for  medical  aid — take 
medicine  without  weight  or  measure;  but  all  in  vain. — 
They  are  still  sick — the  contents  of  an  apothecary  shop 
will  not  give  relief.  The  mind  is  the  part  diseased,  and 
until  the  cause  is  removed  it  will  bid  defiance  to  the  pow- 
ers of  medicine.  In  such  cases  much  rests  with  the  suffer- 
er. The  cause  should  be  removed  if  possible;  if  this  can- 
not be  done,  we  should  remember  that  this  is  "a  world  of 
sorrow."  And  why  destroy  both  health  and  happiness,  by 
grieving  about  a  thing  we  cannot  help?  We  should  ex- 
ercise firmness  and  resolution,  and  reconcile  as  far  as  pos- 
sibe,  the  circumstances  and  condition  to  our  wounded  and 
oppressive  feelings.     "  We  should  seek  in  piety  those  un- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  35 

withering  consolations  which  can  sustain  the  mind  under 
the  severest  strokes  of  adversity.  From  this  source  issue 
streams  of  living  pleasure  that  cannot  be  dried  up  by  the 
occurrence  of  disastrous  events." 

Love. — As  this  passion  is  not  productive  of  any  bad  ef- 
fects on  the  health,  when  of  a  proper  kind  and  properlj 
controlled,  there  need  be  but  little  said  on  the  subject. — 
Love  is  one  of  the  master  passions  of  the  soul,  when  kin- 
dled into  ardor.  It  exercises  an  uncontrollable  dominion 
over  all  the  powers  of  man.  Pure  and  reciprocal  love  is 
one  of  man's  most  endearing  delights — it  is  not  wrecked 
by  the  storms  of  adversity  nor  starved  out  by  poverty. — 
We  are  commanded  to  exercise  this  passion  in  Holy  writ, 
which  is  a  sufficient  proof  of  its  excellency.  Thus  we  are 
commanded  to  love  our  parents,  our  companions  and  chil- 
dren, and  even  our  enemies;  and  above  all — our  God  and 
heavenly  things.  When  this  passion  is  confined  within  its 
proper  limits,  with  due  regard  to  its  objects,  it  has  a  salu- 
tary influence  on  the  mind  of  every  rational  being.  The 
influence  of  propitious  love  is  salutary  upon  the  physical 
system,  as  it  promotes  all  the  secretions — invigorates  the 
action  of  the  heart — imparts  vivacity  to  the  spirits  and 
brightens  the  countenance  with  cheerfulness. 

Some  writers  when  speaking  on  this  subject,  digress 
from  the  true  intent  of  the  matter  and  fall  into  a  discus- 
sion of  most  of  the  other  passions.  Under  the  title  of  "Dis- 
appointed Love,'*  they  discuss  at  great  length  the  beauti- 
ful efFects  of  grief,  jealousy,  rage,  revenge,  despair,  &c. — 
Love,  crossed  or  disappointed  by  the'  inconstancy  or  false- 
ness of  the  beloved  object,  not  unfrequently  begets  one  or 
more  of  the  above  passions,  and  produce  some  of  the  wild- 
est storms  of  passion  that  infest  the  seas  of  life,  wrecking 
both  happiness  and  health, 

"Earth  has  no  rage  like  love  to  hatred  turned; 
And  hell  no  fury  like  a  lover  scorned." 


REMARKS 

PRELIMINARY  TO  THE  MEDICAL  PORTION 

OF  THIS   WORK. 

That  a  knowledge  of  diseases  is  necessary  to  their  cure, 
will  be  readily  acknowledged;  but  a  great  difference  ol 
opinion  prevails  among  mankind  as  to  how  this  knowledge 


36  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

should  be  obtained.  Some  sav  it  should  be  the  result  of 
personal  experience;  while  others  contend  that  education 
and  theory  alone,  is  all  that  is  necessary  to  make  a  skillful 
physician.  The  union  of  observation,  with  the  deductions 
of  theory,  will  probably  be  found  to  lead  to  the  safest  con- 
clusions. A  medical  education  should  be  united  with  ex- 
perience. Every  disease  is  to  be  known  by  its  peculiar 
symptoms,  and  the  sagacity  of  the  physician  will  be  exer- 
cised in  discriminating  between  different  diseases  by  their 
different  symptoms. 

Regard  should  always  be  paid  to  the  constitution,  man- 
ner of  life,  age,  sex,  temper,  &c.  Some  constitutions  are 
peculiar  and  require  a  peculiar  treatment.  It  would  be 
injudicious  to  treat  the  tender,  delicate  and  sickly  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  hardy  and  robust. 

Females  have  diseases  peculiar  to  themselves — their 
system  is  more  tender  and  irritable  and  demands  greater 
caution. 

The  following  enquiries  should  be  made  previous  to  ad- 
ministering medicine  to  a  sick  person. 

When  were  you  taken  ?  How  were  you  talcen  ?  To 
what  disease  are  you  most  liable  ?  Is  the  disease  consti- 
tutional or  accidental  ?  Are  you  temperate  in  eating  and 
drinking?  What  has  been  your  general  health  1  What 
were  your  feelings  for  several  days  previously  to  being 
taken,  &c?  If  the  patient  be  a  female,  you  should  also 
ascertain  whether  she  has  been  regular  in  her  monthly 
periods  1     Whether  there  is  any  suppression  of  urine,  &c. 

A  physican,on  entering  the  room  of  a  sick  person,  should 
be  easy  and  affable  in  his  manners,  and  wait  patiently 
the  subsiding  of  any  strong  excitement  his  presence  may 
have  created. 

The  Pulse. — By  the  pulse  is  meant  the  beating  or  throb- 
bing of  an  artery,  which  is  occasioned  by  the  motion  of 
the  heart  in  propelling  the  blood  through  them.  This  mo- 
tion of  the  heart  and  arteries  is  spoken  of  at  greater  length 
in  the  anatomical  part  of  this  work.  The  physician  de- 
rives great  information  as  to  the  condition  of  his  patient, 
from  knowing  how  the  blood  circulates.  This  is  ascertain- 
ed by  feeling  the  pulse.  The  pulse  in  different  persons 
varies,  it  beats  quicker  in  the  sanguine  than  in  the  melan- 
cholly — in  the  young  and  vigorous,  than  in  the  old  and  de- 
clining— children  have  quicker  pulse  than  adults.     The 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  37 

usual  standard  of  a  healthy  indication  by  the  pulse   in 
grown  persons  is  from  66  to  80  strokes  in  a  minute. 

Good  health  is  indicated  by  a  strong,  firm,  regular  pulse. 

1.  When  the  pulse  resists  the  pressure  of  the  finger,  feels 
full,  and  swells  boldly  under  the  pressure,  it  is  called  a 
full  strong  tense  pulse — if  slow  and  irregular,  it  is  called 
a  weak,  fluttering  and  irregular  pulse. 

2.  When  the  pulse  feels  like  a  string  drawn  tight,  and 
gives  considerable  resistance  to  the  presure  of  the  finger, 
it  is  termed  a  hard,  corded  pulse. 

3.  The  soft  and  intermitting  pulses  give  their  own  mean- 
ing by  name;  they  are  very  easily  distinguished  from  each 
other,  as  in  cases  of  great  weakness  oi  the  system  and  a 
languid  circulation,  or  on  the  approach  of  death. 

4.  An  intermitting  pulse  is  sometimes  produced  by  op- 
pression of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  it  also  arises  in  some 
instances  from  an  agitation  of  the  mind.  A  vibrating 
pulse,  with  quick,  weak  pulsations,  acting  under  the  fin- 
gers like  a  thread,  quick  but  very  weak  and  irregular,  in- 
dicates a  highly  dangerous  state  of  the  system.  This  pulse 
is  generally  accompanied  with  deep  sighs,  difficult  breath- 
ing, and  a  dead,  heavy  languor  of  the  eyes. 

The  above  directions  will  enable  any  person  to  distin- 
guish the  different  states  of  the  pulse;  and  enable  him  so 
far  as  the  pulse  can  give  any  indications,  to  judge  of  the 
nature  and  stage  of  the  disease. 


*    CONTAINING  A  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SYMP- 
TOMS OF  DISEASE,  AND  THE  METHOD 

OF  TREATMENT. 

I  will  not  trouble  the  reader  here  with  a  long  treatise 
on  the  doctrines,  or  what  is  called  the  pathology  of  dis- 
eases, which  would  prove  both  tedious  and  tiresome,  with- 
out imparting  the  least  benefit  to  those  for  whom  this  work 
is  especially  intended.  But  in  giving  the  symptoms  of 
disease,  or  the  various  aspects  under  which  it  makes  its 
appearance,  I  will  endeavor  to  do  it  in  both  a  concise  and 
comprehensive  manner,  confining  myself,  principally,  to 


38  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH 

those  diseases  which  are  most  common  in  our  country, 
and  peculiar  to  our  climate.  It  is  very  necessary  that  the 
head  of  every  family  should  be  instructed,  to  some  extent, 
in  the  method  of  curing  their  own  maladi  3s;  simple  reme- 
dies, and  such  as  are  at  hand  in  most  families,  will,  if  ta- 
ken in  due  time,  often  throw  off  diseases  which  might  have 
baffled  the  skill  of  the  most  experienced  physicians  if  it 
had  been  let  to  run  on  without  remedy  for  a  length  of 
time.  A  full  conviction  of  this  fact  will  induce  me  to 
simplify  the  Healing  art,  so  that  any  family,  possessing 
an  ordinary  share  of  common  sense,  may  become  their 
own  physician  in  most  cases  of  disease,  without  the  haz- 
ard of  increasing  the  hold  of  disease  or  weakning  the 
power  of  life.  The  Indian  system  of  practice  may  appear 
simple  to  many  persons  who  are  not  acquainted  with  their 
success  in  treating  diseases,  but  I  flatter  myself  that  a  fair 
trial  of  their  method  of  treating  diseases  as  is  herein  laid 
down,  will  almost  invariably  be  crowned  with  success,  and 
many  painful  and  truly  distressing  complaints  which  have 
hitherto  been  considered  by  the  whites,  as  incurable,  will 
be  found  to  yield  speedily  to  simple  remedies. 

Believing  that  colds  are  directly  or  indirectly  the  cause 
of  most  diseases  by  checking  perspiration,  obstructing  the 
general  or  natural  circulation  of  all  the  fluids,  and  there- 
by producing  a  marked  action,  or  in  other  words,  a  dis- 
eased condition  of  the  whole  system — I  will  first  begin 
with  colds. 


CATARRH  OR  COLD— (Oo-hur-thh.) 

Colds  are  so  common  in  every  country,  and  their  modes 
of  treatment  so  generally  known,  that  the  reader  will  doubt- 
less conclude  that  little  or  nothing  need  be  written  on  a 
subject  which  is  already  so  familiar.  But  when  Ave  re- 
flect that  it  is  often  the  forerunner  and  not  unfrequently 
the  foundation  of  other  diseases  which  are  difficult  to  re- 
move, and  in  many  instances  highly  dangerous,  and  even 
fatal,  in  despite  of  medical  aid — the  subject  does  not  ap- 
pear so  trivial  as  on  first  thought;  but  is  one  which  cer- 
tainly demands  the  serious  attention  of  all  those  wlio  wish 
to  enjoy  a  reasonable  portion  of  health. 

Persons  of  delicate  constitutions  are  most  liable  to  take 
cold — and  from  the  great  carelessness  of  such  persons  in 
neglecting  to   avoid  exposure — and  to  remove  cold  in  its 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  39 

earliest  stages,  originates  most  of  the  consumptions  in  this, 
as  well  as  other  countries.  It  is  often  the  foundation  of  a 
host  of  other  diseases,  such  as  pleurisy,  liver  complaints, 
fevers,  asthmas,  &c.  I  therefore  feel  it  my  duty  to  impress 
it  on  the  mind  of  the  reader,  that  cold,  however  simple  it 
may  at  first  appear,  should  be  taken  in  its  earliest  stage,  at 
which  time  it  is  easily  thrown  off  and  by  very  simple  means. 

Symptoms. — A  dull  heaviness  in  the  head,  frequent  sneez- 
ing, a  discharge  of  watery  mucous  from  the  nose  or  eyes, 
or  both,  a  stoppage  in  the  nose  and  head — it  is  frequently 
attended  with  chillness,  succeeded  by  flushes  of  heat,  a 
very  disagreeable  fullness  is  felt  about  the  eyes.  Cold  is 
often  attended  with  soreness  of  the  throat,  cough  and  pain 
in  the  chest.  Here  I  repeat  that  most  of  the  consumptions 
of  this  country  are  occasioned  by  neglected  colds,  brought 
on  by  exposure  to  night  air,  by  changing  warm  clothing  for 
thin,  by  sudden  check  of  perspiration,  by  damp  feet,  &c. 

Treatment. — Cold  in  its  first  stage  may  be  thrown  off 
very  easily,  and  by  very  simple  means,  such  as  a  free  use 
■of  sage,  mint,  ground  ivy,  balm,  pennyroyal,  pepper  or 
ginger  teas,  or  any  sweating  tea  that  the  patient  may  pre- 
fer, to  which  may  be  added  a  portion  of  the  diaphoretic 
drops.  If  the  violence  of  the  attack  requires  it,  bathe  the 
feet  in  warm  water  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  then  wipe 
them  dry  and  draw  on  warm  stockings.  If  the  head  should 
be  much  stopped  up  with  cold,  sweat  it  by  covering  it 
over  with  flannel  or  other  covering,  and  place  a  hot  rock 
on  the  heartb,  then  sprinkle  water  and  vinegar  on  the 
rock,  at  the  same  time  holding  the  head  over  it.  After 
steaming  the  head  in  the  above  manner,  care  must  be  ta- 
ken to  avoid  exposure  to  a  free  current  of  cold  or  damp  air, 
which  would  check  the  perspiration  suddenly,  and  in  all 
probability  do  much  more  harm  than  the  steaming  had 
done  good.  If  the  symptoms  are  inflammatory,  give  cool- 
sing  purges,  such  as  cream  of  tartar,  salts,  castor  oil,  rheu- 
barb,  or  any  cooling  cathartic.  If  the  throat  is  sore,  apply 
the  red  pepper  poultice,  or  a  poultice  of  onions  or  garlic, 
either  of  these  poultices  will  give  relief  to  the  breast  if  ap- 
plied to  that  part,  in  case  of  oppression  from  cold.  If  the 
patient  is  troubled  with  a  cough,  look  under  that  head  for 
a.  remedy;  by  turning  to  the  index  you  will  be  referred  to 
numerous  valuable  articles  for  coughs,  some  of  which  can 
be  easily  procured  in  all  cases,  I  presume,  with  but  very 


40  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH, 

little  trouble  or  expense.  The  onion,  garlic,  or  pepper 
poultice,  applied  to  the  feet  vv^ill  also  aid  in  produing  a 
free  perspiration.  The  following  remedy,  says  Dr.  Gunn, 
"has  frequently  afforded  relief  in  cases  where  colds  had 
nearly  settled  down  into  confirmed  consumptions-^-take  one 
tea  spoonful  of  flaxseed,  half  an  ounce  of  liquorice,  and  a 
quarter  of  a  pound  of  raisons,  put  them  into  two  quarts  of 
rain  water,  and  simmer  the  whole  over  a  slow  fire  until 
you  reduce  the  quantity  to  one  quart;  then  prepare  some 
candy  made  from  brown  sugar,  and  dissolve  it  in  the  quart 
of  liquor.  A  half  pint  of  this  syrup  is  to  be  taken  every 
night  on  going  to  bed,  mixed  with  a  little  good  vinegar  to 
give  it  a  slightly  acid  taste.  This  will  certainly  relieve  a 
cold  in  a  few  days."  The  vinegar  stew  is  also  very  good 
for  colds,  and  should  be  prepared  in  the  following  manner: 
If  the  vinegar  be  very  strong,  add  a  little  water,  then  put 
it  on  the  fire  until  it  becomes  hot,  then  add  a  little  butter 
and  sweeten  it  well  with  honey  This  stew  or  syrup  is 
good  to  relieve  soreness  in  the  breast,  it  is  also  good  to 
check  the  cough  arising  from  cold.  A  tea  spoonful  of 
paragoric  or  half  that  quantity  of  Bateman's  drops  may  be 
added  to  the  tea,  which  is  to  be  drank  for  cold  to  great  ad- 
vantage.   

INFLUENZA  OR  MALIGNANT  SORE  THROAT. 
(On-eh-tlah-tsu-ni-sik-wah-Ms-lee. 

This  dangerous  disease  is  sometimes  called  putrid  or  ul- 
cerous sore  throat.  The  symptoms  are,  soreness  of  the 
throat,  attended  with  fever.  The  swallowing  becomes 
more  and  more  difficult,  the  skin  burning  and  disagreeably 
hot  without  the  least  moisture,  the  pulse  very  quick  and 
irregular,  it  is  also  attended  with  nausea  and  sometimes 
vomiting,  restlessness,  great  debility,  the  face  becomes 
flushed,  the  eyes  inflamed,  and  the  neck  stiff,  the  mouth 
and  throat  assumes  a  fiery  red  color,  and  the  palate  and 
glands  of  the  throat  become  much  swelled  as  the  disease 
advances,  the  whole  internal  surface  of  the  mouth  and 
throat  will  become  interspersed  with  brown  or  ash  color- 
ed spots,  which  soon  become  so  many  ulcers  discharging 
an  acid  matter;  a  similar  matter  runs  from  the  nose,  and 
escapes  at  the  mouth,  this  matter  soon  affects  the  lips  and 
neighboring  parts,  and  in  some  instances  the  brown  spots 
extend  over  the  whole  body,  the  tongue  becomes  covered 
with  a  thick  brown  fur  and  the  breath  very  offensive;  there 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  41 

is  generally  a  purging,  and  in  many  cases,  a  frequent  dis- 
chatge  of  excoriating  matter  or  fluid  from  the  fundament. 
If  the  disease  is  not  checked,  the  ulceration  corrodes  deep- 
er and  deeper  extending  down  the  alimentary  canal,  and 
if  still  suffered  to  proceed,  they  become  gangrenous;  a  se- 
vere purging  ensues,  and  death  closes  the  painful  scene. 
The  following  symptoms  are  unfavorable  and  denote  a 
fatal  termination;  the  feet  and  hands  become  cold,  the 
eruptions  suddenly  disappear,  or  become  of  a  dark  livid 
color,  the  inside  of  the  mouth  and  throat  assume  a  dark 
hue,  purging  a  black  matter  of  a  very  offensive  smell,  the 
pulse  becoming  small,  quick  and  fluttering,  hurried  breath- 
ing with  frequent  sighing;  and  a  cold  clamy  sweat.  Ou 
the  contrary,  the  symptoms  are  favorable  when  the  fever 
in  some  degree  abates  and  the  skin  becomes  gradually 
soft  and  moist,  the  breathing  becomes  more  free  and  natu- 
ral, the  eyes  assume  a  natural  and  lively  appearance,  the 
eruptions  on  the  skin  become  of  a  reddish  color  over  the 
whole  body,  and  the  parts  which  separate  from  the  ulcers 
fall  off  easily,  and  leave  the  sores  of  a  clean  and  reddish 
color,  the  tongue  gradually  becomes  clean  and  clear  of  the 
dark  fur  with  which  it  is  covered.  These  are  favorable 
symptoms  and  denotes  the  recovery  of  the  patient. 

Putrid  sore  throat,  is  an  infectious  or  catching  disease; 
And  hence  it  sometimes  prevails  as  an  epidemic,  and  gen- 
erally makes  its  appearance  in  the  fall  or  early  part  of  the 
winter  seasons,  especially  when  preceded  by  a  dry,  hot- 
summer.  Children  and  persons  of  delicate  constitutions 
are  most  liable  to  be  the  victims  of  this  dangerous  disease. 
Neglect  of  cleanliness,  eating  damaged  provisions,  breath- 
ing impure  air,  or  whatever  tends  to  produce  putrid  fevers, 
will  predispose  to  an  attack  of  this  complaint.  When  re- 
lief is  not  had,  this  disease  generally  terminates  fatally  be-, 
tween  the  fourth  and  seventh  day. 

Treatment. — This  disease  generally  makes  its  appear- 
ance at  the  close  of  sultry  seasons,  when  the  system  is 
much  weakened  by  protracted  exposure  to  intense. heat, 
and  when  people  have  been  for  some  time  exposed  to 
breathing  the  putrid  atmosphere  arising  from  stagnant 
waters  and  decaying  vegetables.  This  fact  will  at  once 
show  the  impropriety  o£ administering  sever  purges  or 
drawing  blood.  The  stomach  must  be  cleansed  by  an 
emetic  of  gulver  ancjWndiaji  physic,  apd  the  bowels.  re-„ 


42  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

lieved  of  their  putrid  contents  by  injections,  of  thin  gruel 
or  soap-suds,  to  which  may  be  added  hogs  lard  and  a  little 
gulver  syrup;  no  cathartic  stronger  than  castor  oil  or  rheu- 
barb  should  be  taken  into  the  stomach.  Well  prepared 
charcoal,  taken  twice  or  three  times  a  day,  will  be  of  great 
benefit.  The  mouth  and  throat  must  be  washed  and 
gargled  with  a  preparation  made  as  follows:  Take  of 
cayenne  pepper  in  powder,  two  table  spoonfuls,  a  small 
quantity  of  catnip  and  half  a  spoonful  of  common  salt; 
pour  on  them  one  pint  of  boiling  water,  let  them  stand  a 
half  hour  and  strain  off  the  liquor  and  add  to  it  a  half  a 
pint  of  good  vinegar — the  patient  should  also  swallow  a 
table  spoonful  of  this  preparation  every  fifteen  minutes. 
If  the  patient  should  become  very  weak,  bathe  him  well  in 
a  strong  decoction  of  red-oak  bark,  in  which  may  be  put 
one-fourth  whiskey.  If  the  weakness  be  very  considera- 
ble, give  wine  or  toddy  made  with  spirits  and  sweetened 
with  sugar  to  strengthen  and  support  the  system.  For  an 
external  application  to  the  throat,  use  a  poultice  made  by 
thickening  rye-meal  or  wheat-brand  in  red  pepper  tea. — 
After  the  stomach  is  cleansed,  give  Virginia  snake -root 
tea,  (commonly  called  black  snake-root,)  or  seneka  snake- 
root  tea  freely.  The  bowels  must  be  kept  regular  through 
the  whole  course  by  the  use  of  injections.  If  the  first 
emetic  should  fail  to  subdue  the  disease  it  should  be  re- 
peated in  moderation  on  the  day  following.  By  properly 
attending  to  the  emetic,  the  acid  matter  may  be  thrown 
off,  which  would  otherwise  produce  injury  by  descending 
into  the  bowels.  The  strength  of  the  patient  must  be  sup- 
ported by  a  generous,  nourishing  and  easily  digested  diet, 
comprising  but  little  if  any  animal  food. 


PLEURISY. — Oh-ne-squah-ga-ni-tsu-na-his-na. 

Symptoms. — An  accute  pain  in  the  side,  extending  to  the 
back,  breast  and  shoulder,  when  the  breath  is  drawn: — 
The  pain  is  much  increased  by  a  short  dry  cough  which 
generally  attends  it.  Great  difficulty  is  experienced  in 
lying  on  the  affected  side.  It  is  also  attended  with  chills 
and  fevers,  great  thirst  and  restlessness  as  in  the  inflama- 
tory  fever.  The  tongue  is  covered  with  a  thick  whitish 
fur.  The  urine  is  high  colored,  the  face  flushed,  and  the 
skin  dry  and  hot;  sometimes  the  cough  increases,  and  a 
tough  phlegm  is  spit  up.     The  blood  when  drawn  from  the 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  43 

arm  and  admitted  to  cool  in  the  vessel,  is  covered  with  a 
scum  or  coat  of  a  buffly  color,  which  always  denotes  in- 
ftamation. 

The  causes  which  predispose  to  an  attack  of  this  dis- 
ease, are  cold,  lying  on  damp  beds,  exposure  to  free  cur- 
rents of  damp  air,  wearing  wet  or  damp  clothes,  sudden 
changes  from  heat  to  cold,  sudden  check  of  perspiration, 
suppression  of  periodical  evacuations,  or  by  the  repulsion 
of  eruptions.  It  may  also  arise  from  intemperance,  great 
exertion  in  singing,  speaking  or  playing  on  wind  instruments 

Treatment. — It  is  an  inflammatory  disease,  and  there- 
fore requires  the  immediate  reduction  of  the  inflammatory 
symptoms;  for  this  purpose  bleed  freely  according  to  the 
strength  and  constitution  of  the  patient.  If  the  pulse  should 
remain  full  and  hard  after  the  tirst  bleeding,  and  the  pain 
be  relieved  for  a  short  time  and  then  return,  you  must  bleed 
a  second,  third,  and  even  the  fourth  time,  where  the  in- 
flammatory symptoms  require  it.  After  the  first  bleeding, 
apply  cloths,  wet  with  hot  water  to  the  pained  part,  as 
warm  as  can  be  borne,  and  bathe  the  feet  in  warm  water. 
At  the  same  time  give  a  purge  of  epsom  salts  or  gulver 
pills,  and  let,  the  patient  drink  freely  of  a  tea  made  of  one- 
third  of  silk-weed  root  to  two-thirds  pleurisy  root.  If  this 
tea  should  increase  the  fever  to  any  considerable  extent,  it 
may  be  used  in  smaller  quantities  and  the  lancet  again  re- 
sorted to.  For  a  description  of  the  above  roots,  look  under 
their  different  heads  You  will  also  see  the  mode  of  pre- 
paring the  black  or  gulver  pill  under  its  proper  head. — 
After  the  inflammatory  action  is  in  a  considerable  degree 
overcome,  se.neka  snake-root  should  be  combined  with  the 
silk-weed  root  and  pleurisy  root.  A  full  description  of 
these  roots  may  be  seen  under  their  proper  heads.  After 
the  abatement  of  the  fever,  if  the  pulse  should  sink  and  the 
patient  become  very  weak,  you  should  stimulate  him  with 
warm  toddy  or  wine,  mixed  with  warm  water  and  sugar. 
This  must  be  done  with  the  greatest  caution,  taking  great 
care  not  to  stimulate  so  em  to  produce  a  return  of  the  fever. 
If  the  extremities  should  become  cold,  apply  plasters  of 
ground  mustard-seed  wet  with  vinegar  to  the  wrists,  ankles 
and  feet.  These  plasters  will  aid  greatly  in  raising  the 
pulse,  and  is  not  so  apt  to  produce  a  return  of  the  inflam- 
matory symptoms  as  a  too  free  use  of  spirits.  The  bowels 
must  be  kept  open  through  the  whole  course  by   cooling 


44  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH, 

purges;  such  as  salts,  castor  oil,  cream  of  tartar,  or  gulver- 
pills.  The  cathartics  should  be  aided  by  mild  and  cooling 
injections,  such  as  thin  gruel,  well  strained  new  milk  and 
water,  &c. 

For  further  information  on  this  subject  examine  under 
the  head  of  "  Clystering  Diets."  The  strictest  abstinence 
from  all  kinds  of  animal  food,  must  be  observed  in  this  dis- 
ease. The  diets  and  drinks  must  be  such  as  will  have  a 
tendency  to  keep  down  fever,  and  such  as  the  stomach  will 
most  easily  digest.  The  drinks  should  consist  of  flaxseed 
tea,  slippery-elm  tea,  toast-water,  &c.  They  should  be  ta- 
ken warm,  a  little  gruel,  panada,  or  milk  and  water  with 
mush,  may  betaken  for  nourishment. 

When  recovering  from  this  disease,  great  care  must  be 
taken  to  avoid  sudden  changes,  dampness,  cold,  and  very 
particular^  avoid  exposure  to  night  air,  excessive  use  of 
ardent  spirits,  violent  exercise,  &c.  As  the  reverse  of  the 
above  precautions  generally  produce  dangerous  relapses. 
Flannel,  or  some  warm  dress  should  be  worn  next  the  skin. 


DROPSY—  Tsa-no-tis-scok. 

Dropsy  is  a  disease  of  the  whole  system,  arising  from 
debility  or  weakness.  This  opinion  is  sustained  by  many 
of  the  most  distinguished  physicians  in  the  United  States. 
Dr.  Rush  was  of  opinion,  that  dropsy  was  caused  by  a  mor- 
bid action  of  the  arteries,  and  an  increased  action  of  the 
exhalents;  or  in  other  words,  by  an  inactive  state  of  the 
arteries  and  an  active  condition  of  the  vessels  which  throw 
off  the  sweat  from  the  body.  Dr.  Shelton's  opinion  is  the 
very  reverse,  he  says:  "  Notwithstanding  the  great  popu- 
larity of  this  opinion  and  the  high  regard  I  have  for  Dr. 
Rush,  yet  I  cannot  concur  with  him.  I  believe  the  cause 
to  be  an  increased  action  of  the  arteries  and  a  decreased 
action  of  the  exhalents.  For  we  generally  find  in  a  Dropsy 
a  quick  pulse,  which  certainly  indicates  an  increased  ac- 
tion of  the  arteries;  from  the  great  fullness  and  distention 
of  the  exhalents,  we  might  reasonably  suppose  they  were, 
too  much  relaxed,  or  too  inactive  to  throw  out  the  fluids 
as  fast  as  they  were  forced  into  them  by  the  active  motion 
of  the  arteries."  I  have  given  the  opinio'ns  of  the  above 
writers  for  the  reflection  and  entertainment  of  the  reader. 
The  opinion  of  Dr.  Sheltor,  howeverKaccords  nearest  with 
iny  qwn. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  45 

Symptoms. — Dropsy  may  easily  be  distinguished  from: 
other  di&eases,  by  the  collection  of  water  in  some  part  of 
the  body,  and  by  the  feet  and  ancles  swelling,  the  flesh  will 
h?.ve  lost  its  elasticity,  or  in  other  words,  when  pressed  up- 
on by  the  finger  the  mark  or  impression  will  remain  for 
some  time  after  the  finger  is  removed,  the  place  where  the 
impression  was  made  being  much  paler  than  any  other 
part.  Among  physicians,  it  is  called  by  different  names,, 
according  with  the  different  parts  of  the  system  in  which 
the  water  is  deposited.  When  the  water  is  seated  in  the 
cavities  of  the  head  or  brain,  the  disease  is  called  by  phy- 
sicians, Hydrocephalus.  When  seated  in  the  cavity  of 
the  chest,  it  is  called  Hydrothorax;  when  in  that  of  the  bel- 
ly, Ascites;  when  seated  in  the  scrotum  or  bag  of  the  pri- 
vates, it  is  called  Hydrocele;  and  when  the  water  collects 
in  the  cellular  membrane,  which  is  situated  between  the 
flesh  and  skin,  it  is  called  Anasarca.  These  different  lo- 
cations of  Dropsy  are  manifested  by  somewhat  different 
symptoms. 

Anasarca  or  Dropsy  of  the  celular  membrane,  first  gives 
symptoms  of  its  approach  by  swelling  of  the  feet  and  an- 
kles; this  swelling  may  be  distinguished  from  other  swel- 
lings in  the  manner  above  stated.  The  swelling  extends 
by  degrees  to  the  thighs,  trunk  of  the  body,  and  finally  to 
the  head  and  face.  The  breathing  becomes  difficult,  par- 
ticularly when  the  patient  lies  down.  A  cough  soon  fol- 
lows, and  a  watery  mucous  is  spit  up,  the  urine  is  high 
colored,  and  is  voided  in  very  small  quantities,  and  when 
suffered  to  remain  in  the  urinal  or  pot  it  deposites  a  red- 
dish sediment;  the  bowels  are  costive,  and  the  thirst  great. 
These  symptoms  are  suceeded  by  a  dull  torpor  and  slow 
fever. 

Ascites,  or  Abdominal  Dropsy,  is  generally  preceded  by 
a  loss  of  appetite,  sluggishness,  dryness  of  the  skin,  thirst, 
oppression  of  the  chest,  cough,  decrease  of  urine,  a  swel- 
ling of  the  abdomen  takes  place,  which  increases  gradual- 
ly, as  the  disease  advances.  As  the  water  accumulates, 
the  breathing  becomes  more  difficult,  the  countenance  pal- 
lid and  bloated,  the  thirst  immoderate;  the  urine  scanty, 
high  colored ;  and  deposites  a  brick  colored  sediment. 

Hydrothorax,  or  Dropsy  of  the  Chest,  generally  comes 
on  with  a  sense  of  uneasiness  at  the  lower  end  of  the  breast 
bone,  and  difficulty  of  breathing,  which  is  much  increased 


46  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

by  exertion,  or  by  lying  down.  It  is  attended  with  a  eoughr 
at  first  dry,  but  afterwards  a  thin  mucous  is  spit  up;  as  the 
disease  advances,  the  thirst  increases;  the  complexion  be- 
comes sallow;  the  feet  and  legs  swell;  the  urine  is  voided 
in  small  quantities,  high  colored,  and  deposites  a  red  sedi- 
ment. The  face  and  extremities  become  cold,  the  pulse 
feeble,  and  irregular;  the  sleep  is  much  disturbed,  frequent 
palpitations  of  the  heart;  a.  numbness  extends  from  the 
beart  towards  one,  and  sometimes,  both  shoulders;  the 
difficulty  of  breathing  continues  to  increase  until  death 
ends  the  patient's  sufferings.  Hydrocephalus,  or  Dropsy 
of  the  Brain,  is  a  disease  common  to  children,  and  will  be 
spoken  of  under  the  proper  head. 

Treatment. — Cleanse  the  bowels  with  anti-billious pills,, 
or  some  other  purge.  After  the  bowels  are  well  cleansed,, 
the  patient  should  take  the  diuretic  pill  night  and  morn- 
ing, three  for  a  dose,  or  more  if  the  constitution  of  the  pa- 
tient requires  it;  also  drink  bitters  by  putting  a  table  spoons- 
ful of  steeldust,  and  about  four  ounces  of  vervine  root,  in- 
to a  half  gallon  of  good  spirits;  of  these  bitters  the  patient 
should  drink  three  or  four  times  a  day  what  the  stomach 
will  bear. 

Another  Remedy. — After  the  bowels  have  been  cleans- 
ed as  above  directed,  le*  the  patient  drink  freely  of  cold  wa- 
ter off  of  the  root  of  Ah-squah-na-ta-quah.  This  herb  is 
fully  described  in  materia  medica,  and  is  an  infallible  re- 
medy for  Dropsy;  the  root  should  be  bruized  before  it  is  put 
into  the  water,  about  a  half  ounce  of  the  root  to  a  quart, 
the  water  may  be  renewed  until  the  strength  is  all  extrac- 
ted. There  are  no  disagreeable  consequences  whatever 
produced  by  the  use  of  this  root. 

The  Chalybeat  pill,  taken  night  and  morning  after  the 
bowels  have  been  cleansed,  will  effect  a  cure  in  most  cas- 
ses.  A  Dose  in  this  case  is  one  pill  about  the  size  of  a 
summer  grape. 

Diets  must  in  all  cases  of  Dropsy  be  of  the  lightest 
and  simplest  kind.  When  the  patient  begins  to  recover 
from  Dropsy,  the  appetite  in  most  cases  becomes  voracious 
and  almost  insupportable,  and  if  the  patient  is  permitted  to 
indulge  it,  to  effect  a  cure  will  be  found  impossible.  Wa- 
ter gruel,  rye  mush  and  butter  milk  or  something  of  thy 
kind  is  the  safest  nourishment  I  have  ever  tried  in  cases 
of  this  kind. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  47 

After  the  patient  is  freed  irom  the  water,  extreme  de- 
bility usually  takes  place.  At  this  stage  of  the  disease, 
the  patient  should  continue  whichever  of  the  above  treat- 
ments may  h*.,ve  been  adopted,  and  additionally  use  wine 
and  a  decoction  of  wild  cherry-tree  bark,  or  a  decoction 
of  Columbo  root,  or  any  other  stimulant  or  tonic  that  may 
be  most  convenient. 

Dr.  Gunn  believes  Dropsy  to  be  an  inflammatory  disease 
and  recommends  bleeding  freely,  but  goes  on  to  speak 
highly  of  the  advantages  that  have  been  derived  from 
herbs  of  our  own  country,  in  this  as  well  as  other  diseases. 
I  quote  the  following  from  this  author:  "The  following 
cures,  which  I  shall  notice,  in  the  words  of  an  experienced 
and  distinguished  physician,  give  evidence  of  the  correct- 
ness of  some  of  my  introductory  remarks,  among  which  are 
the  following:  The  discoveries  of  each  succeeding  day 
convinces,  that  the  Almighty  has  graciously  furnished  man 
with  the  means  of  curing  his  own  diseases,  and  there  is 
scarcely  a  day,  month  or  vear  which  does  not  exhibit  to  us 
the  surprising  cures  made  by  roots,  herbs  and  simples, 
found  in  our  own  vegetable  kingdom,  when  all  foreign  ar- 
ticles have  utterly  failed.  The  truth  is,  that  the  wise  and 
beneficent  Creator  of  the  Universe,  has  made  nothing  in 
vain;  and  the  time  will  come,  when  the  apparently  most 
useless  and  noxious  plants,  will  be  found  eminently  useful 
in  the  cure  of  diseases,  which  have  hitherto  baffled  the 
profound  skill,  and  most  powerful  energies  of  genius." — 
The  following  are  the  words  of  the  author  just  alluded  to: 
"I  am  knowing  to  two  extremely  distressing  cases  of  Drop- 
sy entirely  relieved  by  means  of  the  bark  of  common  El- 
der. One  a  woman  advanced  in  age,  in  the  last  stages  of 
this  disease,  who  lost  a  brother  some  short  time  previous, 
by  the  same  complaint.  The  other  a  young  woman,  who 
had  been  for  eighteen  months  confined  to  her  bed,  during 
four  of  which  she  was  unable  to  lie  down,  and  who  is  now 
wholy  free  from  Dropsy,  and  recovering  strength  in  a 
most  surprising  and  unexpected  manner.  This  young 
lady  used  the  elder-barked-wine,  at  the  instance  of  one  of 
the  most  distinguished  physicians  of  Boston,  who  had  pre- 
viously tried  every  known  prescription  without  success, 
and  the  use  of  the  elder  bark  entirely  cured  her.  A  great 
many  other  cases,  less  aggravated,  have  been  cured  bv 
this  bark.     I  have  used  it  myself  with  unusual  success, 


48  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

and  its  immediate  adoption  by  the  afflicted,  is  truly  im- 
portant and  deserving  attention.  The  receipt  is  as  follows: 
Take  two  handfuls  of  the  green  or  inner  bark  of  the  white 
common  elder,  steep  it  in  two  quarts  of  Lisbon  wine  twen- 
ty-four hours — if  this  wine  cannot  be  had,  Teneriff  or  Ma- 
deria,  will  answer;  take  a  gill  every  morning,  fasting,  or 
mole  if  it  can  be  borne  on  the  stomach." 

We  have  never  tried  the  above  preparation  of  elder  bark 
in  wine,  but  having  witnessed  similar  effects  produced  by 
the  free  use  of  the  tea  and  decoction  of  this  bark,  we  are 
bound  to  place  lull  conlidence  in  the  above  statements, 
and  earnestly  recommend  its  use  to  those  who  may  be  af- 
flicted with  this  truly  distressing  complaint. 

Diets  should  consist  of  gruel,  a  little  milk  and  mush,  or 
something:  of  a  similar  nature. 


DYSPEPSY,  OR  INDIGESTION. 
(Oh-ne-na-tse-tsunah-li-stoo-na.) 

Symptoms — Are  flatulency,  defective  appetite,  palpita- 
tions of  the  heart,  painful  distention  of  the  stomach  and 
bowels.  The  last  named  symptoms  greatly  increased  by 
eating  a  hearty  meal  or  drinking  spirituous  liquors.  This 
disease  also  extends  its  pernicious  influence  to  the  mind, 
which  often  becomes  desponding  and  irritable,  and  the 
poor  sufferer  exhibits  a  peculiar  anxiety  of  countenance. 
The  sleep  becomes  disturbed  and  the  urine  high  colored. 

Causes. — This  disease  originates  in  a  great  variety  of 
causes.  It  arises  in  a  great  many  instances,  from  a  dis- 
eased state  of  the  Liver  as  may  be  fully  seen  under  that 
head.  This  lingering  and  painfully  distressing  malady  is 
seldom  to  be  met  with  among  the  Indians,  owing,  we  sup- 
pose to  the  great  simplicity  of  their  diet,  and  the  liberal  ex- 
ercise which  they  so  generally  take  in  the  hunt,  the  chase, 
&c;  and  the  little  use  made  by  them  of  mercury  in  any 
form,  or  of  strong  minerals  of  any  kind.  This  disease,  on 
the  contrary,  appears  to  increase  yearly  among  the  whites. 
It  seems  to  be  a  scourge  upon  the  more  refined  portion  of 
the  human  species,  and  one  which  refinement  with  all  it* 
charms,  utterly  fails  to  render  agreeable,  or  in  any  respect 
desirable.  It  is  to  be  found  among  all  ranks  and  sexes; 
but  when  we  meet  with  an  individual  who  is  afflicted  with 
this  torturing  malady,  and  examine 'into  his  or  her  past 
life,  the  cause  is  generally  obvious.     An  excessive  use  of 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  .49 

•spirituous  liquors  of  any  kind,  of  tobacco,  mercurial  pre- 
parations, and  other  poisonous  mineral  substances  used 
for  medicines — improper  diet,  whether  in  kind  or  quality, 
inactivity  of  body,  intense  study,  uneasiness,  anxiety  or 
grief,  are  all  calculated  in  their  nature  to  produce  this 
painful  disease.  Dr.  Carter,  when  speaking  of  the  stom- 
ach, says.  "It  may  be  considered  the  great  labratory  or 
chemical  workshop  of  the  living  power — where  chemical 
operations  upon  our  food  and  drink,  are  regularly  perform- 
ed, without  effort,  toil  or  study." 

Dr.  Carter's  statement  respecting  the  stomach,  shows 
at  once  the  great  necessity  of  regulating  the  food  and  drink 
according  to  the  strength  of  this  "chemical  workshop." — 
The  usual  practice  of  over  loading  the  stomach  with  high- 
seasoned,  indigestible  food,  and  a  too  free  use  of  ardent 
spirits,  injures  its  tone,  and  renders  it  incapable  of  per- 
forming its  functions  in  a  healthy  manner.  If  Indigestion 
arises  from  a  diseased  state  of  the  liver,  there  Will  also  be 
felt  a  dead,  heavy  pain  in  the  right  side,  also  in  the  shoul- 
der, and  back  of  tire  neck.  The  urine  on  being  deposited 
in  a  urinal  or  pot,  will  have  in  the  bottom  when  cool,  a 
reddish  colored  seddiment.  The  complection  will  become 
of  a  tawny  or  yellowish  hue.  The  feet  and  hands,  when 
held  in  one  position,  for  a  short  time  wiil  become  asleep 
for  want  of  a  free  circulation  of  the  blood.  Great  uneasi- 
ness will  be  felt  throughout  the  whole  system,  and  it  is 
sometimes  attended  with  vomiting.  When  these  lasi: 
named  symptoms  occur,  you  must  refer  to  the  proper 
treatment  of  the  disease  of  the  liver,  &c. 

Treatment. — For  common  Dyspepsy,  the  patient  must 
first  sum  up  all  the  resolution  which  it  is  in  his  power  to 
command,  in  order  to  regulate  his  diet  with  that  ngidness, 
which  is  indispensably  necessary,  where  a,  cure  is  to  be 
sought  for  in  this  disease — the  diet  must  be  simple,  such 
as  gruel,  a  little  rice  prepared  in  clear  water,  and  salted 
.just  sufficient  to  make  it  palatable,  a  cracker  with  a  glass 
of  spring  water,  or  some  similar  food.  It  must  be  takesi 
frequently  and  in  small  quantities,  as  fasting  too  long  does 
great  injury  in  Dyspepsy,  which  injury  is  much  increased 
'by  the  common  practice  of  over-loading  the  stomach  after 
long  'fasting.  The  use  of  animal  food  must  be  entirely 
^abandoned  if  the  suffered  "wishes  to  obtain  relief.  To  be 
c 


50  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH 

alternately  loading  the  stomach  with  purges,  animal  food,, 
and  spirituous  liquors,  is  onl^  adding  fuel  to  fire,  and  will 
ultimately  end  in  the  death  of  the  patient  if  persisted  in. 
The  patient  should  first  take  &,  purge,  anti-billious  pills 
will  be  most  suitable.  These  should  be  taken  on  going  to, 
bed — the  number  for  a  dose  refer  to  that  head — if  they 
should  not  operate  by;  morning  they  should  be  aided  hj 
half  a  dose  of  the  same  pills  or  by  castor  oil.  After  the 
bowels  have. been  cleansed  in  the  above  manner,  take  a 
portion  of  the  anti-dyspeptic  syrup  or  hepatic  pills  morning 
and  night.  For  directions  how  to  prepare  either  of  the 
above  named  medicines  look  under  their  different  heads. 
"While  using  the  anti-dyspeptic  syrup  or  hepatic  pill,  you 
.should  also  use  a  mixture  or  syrup  made  by  taking  a  strong 
decoction  of  the-  inside  bark  of  white  hickory,  one  pint 
well  strained,  to  which  add  an  equal  quantity  of  soot,  a 
pint  or  more  of  honey,  of  this  mixture  take  a  tea  spoonful 
morning  and  night.  A  free  use  of  charcoal,  taken  in  wa- 
ter or  otherwise,  will  be  found  of  great  benefit.  I?or  di- 
rections for  preparing  charcoal  refer  to  that  head.  Du- 
ring the  above  course,  the  patient  should-. take,  moderate 
exercise  in  the  open  air,  if  the  strength  will  allow,  and  be 
very  careful  to  avoid  any  thing  either  in  eating  or  drink- 
ing, that  will  produce  aggravation  of  the  symptoms.  The 
bowels,  if  they  become  costive,  (which  however  is  not  apt 
to  be  the  case  while  using  the  anti-dyspeptic  syrup  or 
hepatic  pills,)  must  be  regulated  by  the  use  of  mild  and 
cooling  clysters.  When  the  stomach  and  bowels  have 
been  kept  free  from  irritation  for  a,  lenght  of  time  by  the 
above  treatment;  when  the  sleep  becomes  tranquil;  the 
spirits  revived,  and  the  tongue  assumes  a  clear  and  heal- 
thy appearance^  a  little  mutton  ojr  beef  soup  may  be- taken, 
or  chicken  well  boiled  and  the  soup  thickened  with  a  little 
Hour.  If  this  diet  should  produce  an  uneasiness  in  the 
stomach  or  bowels,  the  quantity  taken  should  be  dimin- 
ished,andif  it  still  aggravates  the  symptoms,  its  use  must, 
be  entirely  discontinued,  and  recourse  must  again  be  bad 
to  the  former  simple  dish — gruels,  &c.  But  if  the  stomach 
will  bear  light  meals  of  the  above  soups,  the  quantity  may 
be  gradually  increased,  but  it  must  be  done  with  great 
caution. 

1  have  known  several  persons  relievecbof  this  distress- 
ing complaint  by  the  following  simple  remedy,  after  othe.r 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  51 

remedies  had  been  tried  and  had  failed:  Take  of  cob  ash- 
es, steel  dust,  and  common  salts-,,  of  each  a  table  spoonful, 
.mix  them  well  together,,  and  add  a  sufficient  quantity  of 
honey  to  wetitorstick.it  together.  Take  of  this  mix- 
ture what  will  make  three  common  sized'  pills  morning 
and  night,  and  noon  if  the  stomach  will  bear  it..  At  the 
same  time  take  charcoal  in  water,  prepared  as  directed 
under  that  head,  and  regulate  the  diet  as  before  directed. 
I  have  known  this  to  cure  two  cases  of  dyspepsy  after  the 
prescriptions  of  a  physician  in  high  standing  had  been 
tried  and  failed. 


FLUX  or   DYSENTARY. 

(Gee-guh-tsi-too-nuh-goo-shah.) 

Symptoms. — A  constant  desire  to  go  to  stool  without  be- 
ing able  to  pass  much  of  any  thing  from  the  bowels,  ex- 
cept a  bloody  kind  of  mucous.  These  desires  to  go  to  stool 
are  usually  accompanied  with  severe  griping,  and  also 
with  some  fever;  as  this  disease  advances,  the  stools  will 
consist  of  pure  blood  and  matter  mixed;  and  from  severe 
straining  to  evacuate,  part  of  the  bowels  will  frequently 
protrude  or  come  out,  which  soon  becomes  a  source  of 
great  suffering,  it  is  also  attended  in  many  instances  with 
dullness,  loss  of  strength j,  a  quick  pulse,  great  thirst,  and 
an  inclination,  to  vomit. 

Causes. — Dysentary  or  Flux  is  generally  most  preva- 
lent in  the  latter  part  of  Summer  and  in  the  Fall,  though 
it  frequently  occurs  in  other  seasons  of  the  year.  A  long 
drought  followed  by  cold  rains  is  apt  to  predispose  the  sys- 
lem  to  an  attack  of  this  disease.  It  is  also  produced  by 
sudden  suppression  or  stoppage  of  perspiration,  which  de- 
termine the  fluids  to  the  intestines;  by  eating  unripe  fruits; 
unwholesome,  putrid  food;  and  by  breathing  noxious  va- 
pors. Some  writers  say  it  is  a  contagious  or  catching  dis- 
ease, while  others  say  it  is  not;,  be  this  as  it  may,  it  often 
attacks  whole  neighborhoods  or  towns  at  the  same  time; 
but  it  looks  reasonable  that  the  same  general  causes  which 
produce  it  in  a  town,  neighborhood  or  section  of  country, 
render  all,,  whose  modes  of  life  and  systems  are  in  similar 
conditions,  subject  to  it.  This  disease  is  more  common  in 
warm  climates  than  in  cold  ones,  and  in  rainy  seasons 
than  in  dry  ones.  When  it  attacks  persons  of  feeble  con- 
stitutions or  those  laboring  under  scurvy,  consumption  &c. 


St  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

it  generally  proves  fatal.  Grert  debility,  voilent  fever,, 
cold  clammy  sweats,  hickups,  dark  colored  spots  on  the 
skin,  coldness  of  the  extremities,  and  a  feeble  irregular 
pulse,  are  symptoms  of  a  fatal  termination.  This  disease 
should  be  taken  in  its  earliest  stages,  at  which  time  it  is 
easy  to  be  subdued  by  the  use  of  the  proper  remedies,  but 
if  suffered  to  run  on  it  is  sometimes  extremely  difficult  to 
overcome. 

Treatment. — Taka  a  handful  of  each  of  the  following 
barks,  red-bud  horn-beam,  (commonly  called  iron  wood,) 
red-elm,  sweet-gum  and  black-gum;  also,  a  handful  of 
yellow  root  and  iron- weed  root,  make  a  strong  decoction 
of  Ihese  articles,  and  let  the  patient  drink  of  it  freely,  a 
purge  of  the  anti-billious  pills  should  be  taken  to  work  off' 
the  acrid  contents  of  the  bowels.  Another  very  valuable 
drink  for  this  disease,  may  be  made  from  the  inside  bark 
of  swamp  white-oak — take  one  pound  of  this  bark, 
pound  it  well  and  put  it  into  a  half  gallon  of  cold 
water.  This  is  an  excellent  drink  to  cool  and  heal  the 
bowels.  If  the  belly  be  hard  and  sore  to  the  touch,  grease 
it  well  with  any  kind  of  oil  or  lard,  or  apply  poultices  of 
catnip  to  it.  Injections  of  peach-tree  gum  or  cherry-tree 
gum,  made  by  dissolving  the  gum  in  water  until  it  forms 
a  mucilage  to  which  may  be  added  forty  or  fifty  drops  of 
laudanum  for  grown  persons,  and  less  for  children,  will 
aid  in  allaying  the  irritation  of  the  bowels — the  injections 
should  be  used  cold.  Castor  oil  combined  with  Bateman's 
drops,  paragoric  or  laudanum  may  be  used  to  advantage 
in  this  complaint — for  a  dose  refer  to  the  table  of  medicines; 
ior  a  full  description  of  all  the  above  barks  and  roots  refer 
to  their  different  heads.  The  drinks  during  this  com- 
plaint must  be  of  the  mildest  kind,  such  as  slippery-elm 
tea,  flaxseed  tea,  &c,  and  diet  of  the  lightest  kind,  such  as 
light  soups,  jellies,  new  milk  thickened  with  flour,  all  kinds 
of  fruit  must  be  avoided. 

I  have  known  many  cases  of  this  disorder,  among  chil- 
dren, cured  by  the  free  use  of  a  tea  of  vervine  root,  which 
grows  in  such  abundance  about  our  yards.  On  recover- 
ing from  an  attack  of  this  disease,  great  care  should  be  la- 
ken  to  avoid  exposure,  for  fear  of  a  relapse,  which  is  gen- 
erally very  easy  brought  on  by  exposure,  violent  exercise 
or  improper  food. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  5S 

DIARRHCE  or  LAX. — (Tsu-ne-squah-lah-tee) 

This  disease  is  characterized  by  frequent  and  copious 
discharges  from  the  bowels,  unattended  with  fever,  and 
has  not  the  appearance  of  a  contagious  or  catching  dis- 
ease as  is  the  case  with  flux.  It  generally  prevails  among 
persons  of  weekly  constitutions;  persons  advanced  in  years 
and  those  who  have  lived  intemperately.  Many  are  sub- 
ject to  its  attacks  from  the  slightest  cold  or  exposure,  which 
&t  all  affects  the  bowels;  and  others  are  naturally  and  con- 
stitutionally of  this  habit  of  body.  The  appearance  of  the 
stools  in  this  disease  are  very  different  at  different  times, 
depending  in  a  great  measure  on  the  food  and  the  manner 
in  which  it  agrees  or  disagrees  with  the  stomach  and  bow- 
els.'   This  disease  is  very  often  produced  by  worms. 

Treatment. — When  this  disease  has  been  brought  on  bj* 
■colds,  or  sudden  stoppage  of  perspiration  or  sweat,  use  the 
warm  bath  and  drink  freely  of  some  diaphoretic  tea,  to 
produce  a  determination  to  the  surface,  (or  gentle  moisture 
of  the  skin,)  paragoric   or  Bateman's  drops  may  be  used 
with  the  tea — for  a  dose  see  table  of  medicines.     "Where 
this  disease  is  constitutional  it  frequently  continues  through 
life,  if  not  relieved  by  medicines.     Such  persons  should  be 
particular  as  to  what  kind  of  diet  they  eat,  and  strict!}'  a- 
void  everything  that  disagrees  with  their  stomach  or  bow- 
els; they  should  guard  against  damp  feet,  damp  ground, 
<fec,  they  should  make  daily  use  of  bitters,  composed  of 
.swamp  white-oak  inner  bark,    red  dog-wood  inner  bark, 
swect-fi-um  and  cinnamon  bark  digested  in  old   French 
brandy;  in  violent  attacks  the  decoction  recommended  for 
flux  should  be  taken  until  the  violence  of  the  symptoms.a- 
bates.     Slippery-elm  bark  or  the  root  of  common  comfrey 
forms  an  excellent  drink  in  this  complaint.     Injections  of 
the  same  are  also  good.     Where  this  disease  is  lingering 
and  is  attended  with  great  debility,  a  raw  egg  taken  of  a 
morning  on  a  fasting  stomach  will  be  found  ofgreat  bene- 
fit.    It  should  be  taken  in  fresh  spring  water.     In  many 
instances  a  tea  of  flaxseed,  slippery-eim,  comfrey  or  ver- 
vine  will  entirely  relieve  it  in  a  short  time.     When  worms 
are  supposed  to  be  the  cause  of  this  disease  in  which  case 
the  breath  will  have  a  very  foetid  or  offensive  smell,  treat 
the  complaint  for  worms — see  under  that  head. 


54  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

HEMORRHOIDS  or  PILES. 

\Tsu-nah-tee-kah-stee-tsi-hah-nu-go-gahS\ 

This  complaint  is  sometimes  hereditary,  that  is,  it  run* 
in  families,  and  all  ages  and  sexes  are  liable  to  it.  There 
are  two  kinds  of  Piles  originating  from  the  same  causes, 
and  are  distinguished  as  the  bloody  and  Mind  Piles.  The 
Piles  are  small  swelled  tumors,  usually  situated  on  the 
edge  of  the  fundament;  where  these  tumors  break  and  dis- 
charge blood,  the  disease  is  called  bloogjy  Piles;  but  when 
the.  tumors  discharge  no  blood,  they  are  called  blind  Piles. 
There  is  usually  a  sense  of  weight  in  the  back  and  lower 
part  of  the  belly,  giddiness  in  the  head,  sickness  of  the  sto- 
mach, flatulency  in  the  bowels  and  generally  fever.  Se- 
vere pain  is  experienced  on  going  to  stool,  and  small  tu- 
mors may  be  felt  projecting  beyond  the  verge  of  the  fun- 
dament; when  these  tumors  break  and  'discharge  blood, 
the  sufferer  experiences  intervals  of  ease;  but  when  they 
do  not  break  great  agony  is  experienced  during  every  mo- 
tion, and  great  inconvenienceis  experienced  in  sitting  down 
on  a  hard  seat.  In  some  cases,  the  lower  end  of  the  gut 
protrudes,  (which  means  to  come  down)  the  length  of  two 
or  three  inches  every  time  the  patient  goes  to  stool,  and 
looks  very  raw  and  tender;  this  last  case  mostly  occurs  m 
children  of  weakly  habits. 

Causes.— Piles  may  bo  occasioned  by  continued  or  ha- 
bitual costiveness,  by  frequent  drastic  purges  of  aloes,  by 
riding  a  great  deal  on  horse-back  in  hot  weather,  by  ex- 
cessive drinking,  exposure  to  cold,  suppression  of  some  ac- 
customed evacuation,  and  by  the  pressure  of  the  womb  on .; 
the  rectum,  when  in  a  state  of  pregnancy. . 

Treatment. — Cold  water  is  certainly  one  of  the  best  ap- 
plications that  can  be  made  either  for  a  preventative  or 
cure  for  this  complaint.  I  do  not  believe  that  any  person 
will  be  afflicted  much  with  either  bloody  or  blind  Piles, 
who  will  bathe  the  fundament  daily  in  cold  water,  say 
twice  a  day.  I  have  known  several  persons  relieve  them- 
selves of  this  painful  disorder  by  this  simple  application. 
But  I  will  proceed  to  give  other  remedies  for  the  benefit 
of  those  who  may  prefer  a  cure  not  q'liite  so  simple,  and 
one  that  will  require  rather  more  trouble  than  the  former. 
Let  the  patient  drink  freely  of  a  strong  tea  of  yellow  root. 
For  a  description  of  this  root,  look  under  that  head.  For 
an  ointment,  take  mullen  leaves,  pound  them  fine  and  stew 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  55 

'or  fry  them  in  fresh  butter  until  the  strength  is  extracted, 
then  strain  it  through  a  cloth;  with  this  ointment  annoint 
the  rectum  or  gut  when  it  protrudes  or  makes  its  appear- 
ance.    Persons  who  are  much  afflicted  with  Piles  of  either 
kind,  will  derive  much  benefit  from  sitting  on  a  stool  or 
bench  of  green  white-oak,  a  portion  of  each  day;  it  should 
be  made  as  warm  as  can  be  borne  previous  to  each  time 
of  being  used.     Many  persons   are  troubled  with  violent 
and  sudden  attacks  ot  this  disease,  having  at  times  but  a 
very  few  minutes  warning,  until  the  pain  is  almost  insup- 
portable.    In  this  case,  the  patient  may  obtain  immediate 
relief  by  applying  cloths  wrung  out  of  water  or  vinegar  as 
hot  as  can  be  borne  to  the  fundament:  flannel  cloths  would 
be  preferred,  they  should  be   changed  every  few  minutes, 
keeping  a  fresh  or  warm  one  to  the  parts  until  relief  is  ob- 
tained.    A  salve  made  from  the  leaves,  seeds  or  roots  of 
the  Jimson  or  Jamestown  weed,   and  applied  as  an  oint- 
ment, is  a  speedy  and  certain  remedy.     The  mode  of  pre- 
paring it  is  as  fallows:  Take  the  leaves,  •'Seeds  or  roots  of 
this  plant,  bruise  them  well  and  stew  them  in  fresh  butter 
until  the  strength  is  extracted,  then  strain  and  cool  for  use, 
with  this  salve  annoint  the  fundament  frequently.     A  de- 
coction of  any  part  of  this  plant  is  also  valuable  when  ap- 
plied to  the  fundament  by  means  of  woolen  cloths.     I  have 
known  several  children  severely  afflicted  with  this  painful 
complaint,  which  was  produced  by  extreme  weakness;  in 
this  case  1  use  tonic  medicines,  such  as   wild  cherry-tree 
syrup  or  dog-wood  or  poplar  bark  syrup,  and  bathe  the 
child  once  or   twice  a  day  in  a  strong  decoction   of  dog- 
wood and  red-oak  bark.     After  each  stool  the  fundament; 
should  be  anointed  with  the  Jamestown  weed  (Jimson) 
ointment    or  clean  hogs  lard.     In   all  cases  of  Piles,  the 
bowels  should  be  kept  open  by  the  use  of  very  mild  ca- 
thartics.    I  prefer  the  use  of  equal  quantities  of  cream  of 
tartar  and    finely   powdered    sulphur,  taken  in  sufficient; 
quantity  to  keep  the  bowels  gently  open.     All  persons  that 
are  addicted  to  Piles,  should  live  on  light  and  cooling  diets, 
take  moderate  exercise,  and  bathe  tfee  fundament    fre- 
quently in  -cold  water  as  above  directed. 


CHOLERA  MORBUS,  OR  PUKING  AND  PURGING. 

(Tah-to-ne-tse-luh-ne-gah-slee.) 

This  disease  usually  attacks  with  sickness  at  the  stom- 


56  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

aoh,  pain,  flatulence,  and  severe  pain  or  griping  in  the-; 
bowels.  These  symptoms  are  soon  succeeded  by  heat, 
thirst,  quickness  of  breathing,  with  a  quick  fluttering  pulse 
and  violent  puking  and  purging.  When  the  extremities- 
become  cold,  the  perspiration  or  sweat  cold  and  clammy. 
the  pulse  irregular  and  changing,  accompanied  with 
cramp  and  hickuping,  the  case  may  be  considered  very 
dangerous  and  will  soon  terminate  in  death  if  relief  is  not 
obtained.  It  is  generally  too  late  at  this  stage  to  apply 
for  medical  aid. 

This  disease  may  be  produced  by  an  excess  of  bile — by 
the  food  becoming  rancid  or  acid  on  the  stomach — by  sad- 
den check  of  perspiration,  or  by  a  sudden  stoppage  of  the 
menstrual  discharge.  It  is  produced  in  some  instan- 
ces by  breathing  damp  air;  by  being  exposed  to  inclement 
weather;  by  getting  the  feet  wet,  &c;  but  in  most  instan- 
ces it  is  occasioned  by  eating  such  food  as  disagrees  with 
the  stomach  and  bowels.  Many  very  different  modes  of 
treatment  are  on  record  among  the  whites  for  this  distress- 
ing complaint — some  recommends  a  puke,  others  a  purge,. 
blistering,  &c:  and  some  have  even  recommended  scald- 
ing the  stomach,  where  death  is  so  near  as  not  to  allow 
time  to  draw  a  blister  with  Spanish  flies  in  the  common 
way.  "I  have,"  says  Dr.  Foreman,  "although  an  Indian,, 
been  a  personal  observer  of  their  different  modes  of  treat- 
ment, and  the  little  success  which  generally  attended  it,  I 
have  never  experienced  any  difficulty  of  consequence  in 
arresting  this  disease,  when  called  upon  in  any  reasonable 
time,  and  that  too  with  very  simple  means.  Instead  of 
punishing  the  stomach,  which  is  already  tortured  with 
agitation,  by  giving  an  emetic,  m}  first  step  is  to  tran- 
quilize  or  quiet  it." 

Treatment. — First  give  a  tea  of  the  Cholera  Robus  root, 
which  will  soon  stop  the  puking.  This  root  or  plant  is 
railed  !>y  the  Indians  or  Natives,  Sah-lio-ne-ga-trc-kec,  "but 
I  have,"  says  Dr.  Foreman,  "always  called  it  by  the  name 
of  Cholera  Morbus  root,  when  speaking  of  it  to  the  whites, 
as  this  name  came  nearest  conveying  a  correct  idea  of  its 
medical  qualities.  I  have  never  seen  the  whites  use  it 
except  when  directed  to  do  so  by  the  natives,  and  if  they 
have  any  other  name  for  it  I  do  not  know  it."  A  full  des- 
cription of  this  plant  may  be  seen  under  its  proper  head. 
When  the  violence  of  the  puking  has  measurably  subsided. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  5T 

from  the  use  of  the  above  named  tea,  it  will  be  necessary 
to  clense  the  stomach  and  bowels.  For  this  pappose  take 
a  pnrge  of  anti-billious  or  gulver  pills,  or  some  active  ca- 
thartic. For  the  mode  of  preparing  these  pills,  refer  to 
their  different  heads.  If  the  extremities  become  cold, 
bathe  the  feet  in  warm  water,  and  apply  plasters  of  ground 
mustard  seed  to  the  feet,  ankles  and  wrists.  After  the 
puking  and  purging  has  abated,  if  the  patient  should  be- 
come very  weak,  stimulate  him  with  weak  toddy,  give 
nourishing  diet  and  such  as  the  stomach  will  easily  digest. 
The  rapidity  with  which  this  disease  proceeds,  requires  the. 
remedies  to  be  promptly  applied,  For  the  disease  is,  gene- 
rally speaking,  highly  dangerous,  and  soon  terminates  fa- 
tally, unless  relief  is  speedily  obtained.  In  cold  climates 
this  disease  is  most  prevalent  in  the  latter  part  of  summer 
and  beginning  of  fall,  when  there  are  sudden  transitions 
from  heat  to  cold;  but  in  warm  climates  it  occurs  at  all 
seasons.  Persons  who  are  subject  to  this  sudden  and  dan- 
gerous complaint,  should  be  very  cautious  as  to  what  kind 
of  food  they  indulge  in:  and  should  be  very  particular  in 
avoiding  the  causes  which  produce  it — for,  by  indulging  the 
appetite  and  by  exposure  to  the  causes  which  produce  it, 
the  disease  may  return  writh  redoubled  violence  and  danger.. 


SCROFULA  OR    KINGS-EVIL.— (Oo-nMer-oo-tah-nct:) 

Symptoms. — Small  tumors  appear  behind  the  ears:  under 
the  chin  the}' also  make  their  appearance,  in  some  instan- 
ces about  the  joints  of  the  elbows,  ankles,  lingers  and  toes; 
rarely  on  ether  parts  of  the  body.  As  these  tumors  grow 
larger,  the  skin  which  covers  them,  becomes  of  a  purple 
or  livid  hue,  with  inflammatory  symptoms;  at  length  they 
break  and  become  ulcers,  from  which  is  discharged  a 
white  matter1  somewhat  resembling  curdled  milk.  Young 
persons  are  most  liable  to  become  the  victims  of  ibis  dis- 
ease. It  is  said  by  some  writers,  that  "true  Scrofula  never 
makes  its  appearance  after  the  age  of  thirty,  unless  it  has 
shown  itself  in  some  shape  before/'  It  is  caused  by  a  taint 
or  constitutional  weakness  in  parents;  or  from  cold,  strains, 
bruises,  &c.  Children  of  lax  fibers,  with  smooth  soft  skin, 
fair  hair  anddelicafe  complexion,  are  more  liable  toattacks. 
of  this  complaint  than  those  of  a  different  character. 

Treatment. — The  existence  of  this  complaint  in  any  per- 
son, is  a  plain  indication  of  a  corrupt,  morbid  state  of  the- 


S8  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

fluids  of  the  body.  It  must  therefore  be  obvious,  that  th£ 
proper  mode  of  treatment  will  be,  first  to  correct  and  pu- 
rify the  fluids,  this  will  prevent  in  a  great  degree  the  for- 
"mation  of  other  tumors,  and  aid  external  remedies  in  ef- 
fecting a  cure  of  those  already  formed.  No  strong  active 
medicines  of  any  kind  should  be  used  in  this  disease.  The 
bowels  should  be  kept  regulated  by  the  use  of  mild  cathar- 
tics, such  as  rhubarb  and  sulphur,  equal  quantities  com- 
bined, taken  daily  in  a  sufficient  quantity  to  produce  from 
two  to  three  stools  a  day.  Dr.  Wright  recommends  a  tea 
spoonful  of  common  salt  taken  in  water  every  morning  for 
this  purpose.  If  the  disease  is  attended  with  great  debility, 
a  chalybeate  pill  may  be  taken  night  and  morning — or 
take  a  decoction  of  burdock-root,  sarsaparilla  and  wild 
cucumber  once  or  twice  a  day,  say  a  gill  twice  a  day  for 
an  adult:  by  these  means  the  morbid  matter  may  be  thrown 
t)ff,  the  fluids  corrected  and  a  healthy  and  vigorous  action 
imparted  to  the  system.  Wash  the  tumors  with  casteel 
soapsuds,  and  then  anoint  them  with  cedar  oil,  then  apply 
the  powders  of  ever-green  plantain.  When  the  ulcer  is 
deep,  you  should  use  some  stimulating  wash  after  the 
soapsuds — such  as  a  decoction  of  bayberry,  wild  lettuce, 
dewberry,  brier-root,  witch  hazle,  beach-bark  or  leaves, 
or  spice- wood,  after  which  apply  the  oil  and  powders. — 
The  tumors  should  be  dressed  in  the  above  manner  every 
twelve  hours.  When  the  inflammation  ceases,  the  use  of 
the  powders  may  be  discontinued  and  healing  salve  ap- 
plied in  its  stead.  Before  the  tumor  breaks,  an  ointment 
teiadq  b}r  stewing  together  two-thirds  fresh  butter  to  one- 
Ihird  cedar  oil  will  answer  much  better  than  cedar  oil 
used  alone.  The  diet  and  drink  should  be  of  a  light  and 
coding  nature,  such  as  good  light  bread  with  tea,  coffee 
or'miik,  soup  of  the  flesh  of  young  animals  well  prepared, 
with  an  occasional  glass  of  wine.  Moderate  exercise 
should  be  regularly  taken.  Cold  and  damp  should  be  par- 
ticularly guarded  against.  This  disease  often  afflicts  per- 
sons for  years,  the  ulcers  extend  to  the  bone,  and  a  very 
offensive  matter  is  discharged.  For  ulcers  of  this  last 
kind,  in  addition  to  the  above  treatment,  look  under  the 
following  head — Ulcers — for  additional  remedies. 


ULCERS.— ( Ya  h-  nah-wa-skur.) 
By  Ulcers,  is  commonly  understood  an  old  running  sore, 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  59 

and  it  is  in  this  sense  that  We  here  use  this  term.  Some- 
times caused  by  slight  wounds  or  bruises.  At  other  times 
they  appear  to  be  constitutional  or  a  hereditary  disease  in 
connexion  with  a  scrofulous  habit.  These  latter 'are  gene- 
rally tedious  and  slow  to  heal. 

Treatment. — The  ulcer  should  first  be  well  washed 
with  casteel  soap  suds,  next  bath 3  the  part  in  a  strong  de- 
coction of  beach  bark  or  leaves,  after  the  part  is  well 
bathed,  dry  it  perfectly  dry -and  anoint  it  with  cedar  oil, 
and  apply  a  poultice  made  b}r  thickening  rye  meal  or 
wheat  bran  in  a  strong  decoction  of  black-oak  bark,  the 
face  of  the  poultice  should  be  smeared  with  a  little  cream 
or  lard  to  prevent  it  from  sticking.  If  this  treatment 
should  not  allay  the  fever  and  reduce  the  swelling  in  a 
few  days,  apply  a  poultice  of  pel  k-root  and  may-apple  root, 
boiled  to  a  strong  decoction,  thickened  aud  applied  as 
above;  this  last,  poultice  is  to  draw  out  any  offensive  mat- 
ter that  may  be  lurking  at  the  bone,  and  must  be  con- 
tinued until  the  inflammation  subsides — after  the  fever 
abates,  the  black-oak  poultice  may  be  re-applied  during 
the  whole  time,  the  wound  must  be  regularly  washed, 
bathed  and  anointed  as  above  directed,  every  twelve  hours. 
The  patient  should  occasionally  cleanse  the  bowels  with 
anti-billious  pills,  or  some  other  cathartic,  and  make  a 
constant  use  of  a  decoction  of  white  sarsaparilla  and  wild 
mercury  to  cleanse  and  purity  the  blood,  The  sarsapa- 
rilla and  wild  mercury  may  be  taken  in  powders  or  pills 
if  prepared.  The  diet  should  be  light  and  nourishing, 
every  thing  of  a  stimulating  or  heating  nature  must  be 
avoided,  particularly  ardent  spirits.  Charcoal  applied  by 
sprinkling  it  on  the  poultice,  will  cleanse  or  purify  the 
sores  and  prevent  them  from  having  a  disagreeable  smelk 
A  salve  made  of  Jamestown  weed  (Jimsonj  is  very  ^ood 
for  tedious  ulcers,  as^salso  a  salve  of  alder-bark. 


CANCER.— [Ok-iah.-yeh-sku.'] 

The  term  Cancer  has  been  applied  indiscriminately  to 
all  eating,  spreading  ulcers;  of  a  virulent  kind.  Of  tho 
cancerous  ulcer,  there  appears  to  be  several  kinds;  but; 
the  medical  profession  have  reserved  the  term  cancer  lor 
the  most  malignant  and  incurable  kind.  The  appearance 
of  the  real  Cancer  is  as  follows:  It  Commences  with  a 
small  inflamed  pimple  or  lutnip  "of  a  bluish  color,  which 


60  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

becomes  a  sore  with  hard  rising  edges  of  a  ragged  appear- 
ance. On  close  examination  of  the  sore,  you  will  discov- 
er two  whitish  lines,  crossing  from  the  centre  to  the  edge 
of  the  sore.  At  first  a  burning  sensation  is  felt  in  the  sore, 
which  is  accompanied  as  the  disease  advances  with  sharp, 
shooting  pains.  After  some  time  these  pains  subside  and 
the  cancer  discharges  a  very  offensive  matter;  this  dis- 
charge gradually  increases  and  the  matter  communicating 
to  the  adjoining  parts,  finally  forms  a  large  offensive  sore 
or  ulcer,  of  a  most  dreadful  and  exhausting  nature,  always 
terminating  (unless  cured)  in  a  lingering,  painful  and  hor- 
rible death. 

Cancers  are  usually  seated  in  some  gland,  but  are  some- 
times seated  in  some  other  part.  They  generally  make 
their  appearance  about  the  lips,  the  nose  and  breasts,  but 
sometimes  on  other  parts  of  the  body.  Those  who  are  ad- 
vanced in  life,  are  much  more  subject  to  cancerous  affec- 
tions than  young  persons,  particularly  if  they  have  scrofu- 
lous constitutions,  which  have  descended  to  them  from 
their  parents. 

Treatment. — First  wash  the  cancer  with  easteel  soap- 
suds, next  bathe  it  well  with  a  strong  decoction  of  red-root, 
then  apply  a  salve  made  as  follows:  Take  of  heart-leaf- 
root  well  pulverized,  sheep  suet  and  pine  rozin.  equal 
quantities  and  a  smaller  quantity  of  beeswax,  slew  them 
over  a  slow  fire  until  the  strength  of  the  heart-leaf-root  is 
extracted,  then  strain  for  use.  The  cancer  should  be  wash- 
ed bathed  and  dressed  in  the  above  manner  every  twelve 
hours;  but  some  attentiori  should  be  paid  to  the  general 
healih  of  the  patient,  or  ail  the  externa!  applications'may 
fail  to  effect,  a  cure.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  regular 
by  the  use  of  the  anti-biliious  pills,  or  some  other  cathar- 
tic. The  patient  should  drink  bitters  to  cleanse  and  puri- 
fy the  blood,  such  as  sarsapariila,  wild  mercury,  or  some 
similar:  bitters,  and  make  a  free  and  general  use  of  sassa- 
fras tea.  The  diet  mast  be  light,  such  as  ricr>,  chicken, 
squirrel,  or  vcniuoti,  cooked  in  their  own  oil  alone,  and 
salted  just  enough  to  make  them  palatable;  strong  diet 
of  all  kinds  should  be  avoided.  This  disease  requires 
time  and  perseverance,  but  I  have  never  known  the  above 
course  fail  to  effect  a  cure,  when  properly  attended  to,  says 
JUr.  Foreman. 

Another  mode  of  treatment. — Take  the  green  switch  of 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  61 

yellow-root,  and  the  moss  out  of  the  river,  burn  them  into 
ashes,  then  take  hogs  lard,  or  mutton  tallow,  and  mix  with 
the  ashes  and  apply  it  in  the  form  of  a  plaster  to  the  can- 
cer. In  the  first  stage  of  this  disease,  narrow-doc-root 
bruized  and  steeped  in  vinegar,  is  a  good  application. 


SORE  LEGS— [Oh- nz-k-sco-hah.) 

Sore  Legs  frequently  arise  from  neglected  bruises,  cuts, 
&c.  It  sometimes  runs  in  families  tor  several  generations. 
When  it  runs  in  families,  it  is  generally  such  families  as 
are  addicted  to  scrofula,  scurvy  and  similar  diseases. — 
This  disease  bears  so  close  a  resemblance  to  scrofula,  and 
the  treatment  for  it  is  so  near  the  same  as  the  treatment 
for  that  disease  and  ulcers,  that  it  would  be  useless  to  write 
much  on  the  subject.  But  as  I  am  personally  acquainted 
with  several  persons,  who  have  been  afflicted  with  sore 
legs  for  a  number  of  years,  I  think  it  probable  that  they 
will  more  readily  find  and  understand  the  mode  of  treat- 
ment if  laid  down  under  its  proper  head. 

Treatment. — Where  sore  legs  are  of  long  standing,  the 
general  health  of  the  patient  must  be  attended  to.  First, 
give  a  dose  of  antibillious  pills  to  cleanse  the  stomach  and 
bowels  and  next  let  the  patient  make  a  constant  and  free 
use  of  a  decoction  of  sarsaparilla  and  wild  mercur)^,  or 
some  other  articles  to  cleanse  and  purify  the  blood  and  in- 
crease the  general  tone  and  strength  of  the  system.  Wash 
the  leg  well  with  casteel  soap,  and  bathe  it  in  a  strong  de- 
cociion  of  beach-bark  or  leaves,  next  anoint  it  with  cedar 
oil,  as  directed  for  Ulcer.  It  should  be  poulticed  as  direc- 
ted for  ulcer;  if  the  smell  be  very  offensive  sprinkle  char- 
coal over  the  poultice.  The  leg  should  be  dressed  in  the 
above,  manner  every  twelve  hours.  The  patient  should 
take  moderate  exercise,  but  spend  the  greater  portion  of 
his  time  lying,  as  this  will  give  the  affected  part  greater 
ease.  A  salve  of  the  root  of  swamp-doc  forms  an  excel- 
lent application  to  old  ulcers,  and  a  strong  decoction  of  the 
same  forms  a  good  wash  for  tedious  ulcers.  Diets  must 
be  light,  such  as  are  recommended  for  scrofula  and  ulcers. 
The  use  of  ardent  spirits  must  not  be  indulged  in,  if  the 
patient  wishes  his  limb  restored  to  health,  for  all  remedies 
will  fail  where  this  poison  is  taken  even  ia  moderate 
quantities. 


62  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

WHITE    SWELLING.— {Colah-te-coh-nu-gfl-gee.) 

Different  writers  give  various  and  even  contradictory 
accounts  of  this  most  painful  disease.  They  attempt  en- 
tertaining ths  reader  with  accounts  of  several  kinds  of 
White  Swelling,  which  are  distinguished  according  to  the 
&eat  of  the  disorder.  All  this  1  believe  to  be  unnecessary 
m  this  work,  as  I  offer  but  one  remedy.  I  therefore  make 
but  two  directions  in  White  Swelling,  viz:  The  inflamma- 
tory or  first  stage  and  the  chronic  or  second  or  last  stage. 
There  is  no  disease  to  which  the  human  family  is  liable, 
that  has  hitherto  inflicted  more  severe  and  lasting  misery,, 
than  White  Swelling.  It  has  baffled  the  skill  of  the  most 
eminent  physicians,  and  rendered  hundreds  oi  children  of 
the  finest  constitutions  and  greatest  activity  cripples  for 
life.  Dr.  Wright,  a  physician,,  who  has  been  successful 
in  treating  this  disease,  speaks  of  it  in  the  following  words: 
"If  the  patient  survives  the  severity  of  the  first  assault,  he 
may  for  many  years  drag  out  a  painful  and  miserable  ex- 
istence, his  masecrated  body  filled,  with  sores  from  the 
crown  of  the  head  to  the  sole  of  the  feet,  and  his  sufferings 
so  protracted,  violent  and  agonizing,/that  when  he  dies,  as 
he  will  of  a  hectic  fever,  his  friends  and  relations,  and 
even  parents,  feel  comfort  in  the  thought  that  death  has 
relieved  him  from  his  miseries,  and  willingly  consign  to 
the  tomb  the  mortal  remains  of  the  unhappy  victim." 

Male  children  of  the  most  active  life  and  best  health, 
from  three  or  four  to  fifteen*  or  twenty  years  of  age,  are 
most,  subject  to  White  Swellings.,,, but  both  sexes  may  be 
afflicted  with  it  from  a  few  months  old  to  twenty-five 
years  old;  after  which  age,  I  have  never  known  a  case  to 
occur.  Some  physicians  believe  that  all  White  Swellings 
are  caused  by  cold.  1  am  of  the  opinion  that  very  many 
causes  of  this  disease  are  occasioned  by  cold,  but  I  think 
that  the  number  occasioned  by  bruises  are  equally  great. 

It  generally  makes  its  attack  after  being  overheated  by 
violent  exercise  and  cooling  suddenly.  This  disease  is 
-seated  on  the  surface  of  the  bone,  and  in  the  periorteumor 
membrane  which  covers  the  bone.  Although  this  painful 
disease  has  baffled  the  skill  of  the  most  eminent  physicians 
for  centuries  past,  unless  taken  at  the  very  commence- 
ment of  the  disease,  before  it  could  be  fully  known  whether 
it  was  White  Swelling  or  not,  yet  a  simple,  easy,  and  cer- 
tain remedy  abounds  in  our  own  native  forest.     For  the 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH'..  63 

discovery  of  this  remedy  we  are  indebted  to ,  the  Cherokee 
Indians.  It  has  already  relieved  hundreds. of  this  tortur-; 
ing  and  painful  disease,  and  restored, them  to  a  state  of 
health  and  activity.  It  has  never  failed  in  their  (the 
Cherokees)  hands  to  give  general  relief  in  a  short  time.— ^ 
I,t  has  been  tried  by  myself  in  cases  where  the  regular  andi 
botanic  physician  had  each  a  fair  trial,  and  had  failed. — 
Cherokee  remedies  had  the  desired  effect.  And  I  feel  no 
hesitation  in  saying  from  personal  experience,  that  their 
mode  of  treatment  will  relieve  White  Swelling  at  any 
stage,  if  perseveringly  attended  to. 

Symptoms. — Sometimes  the  first  symptom  is  a  violent 
pain  in  the  part  affected,  the  pain  continues  for  several 
days  before  the  patient  has  signs  of  fever,  the  pain  increas- 
es, in  some  instances  it  is  of  a  whitish  and  in  others  of  a 
reddish  or  flesh  color — as  the  disease  increases  the  patient 
becomes  feverish  with  loss  of  appetite,  great  thirst,  and 
flushed  face — at  other  times  it  makes  its  attacks  with  more 
violence,  (immediately  after  being  over-heated,  and  cool- 
ing suddenly)  with  the  appearance  of  inflammatory  fever, 
which  if  left  to  itself,  in  a' few  days  settles  on  some  part  of 
the  limb;  the  part  swells  rapidly,,  with  violent  pain,  and  in 
this  case  it  frequently  has.  a  high,  red  color,  although  it  is 
called  lohite  swelling;. 

Treatment. — First  steam  the  affected  part  well  with 
spice-wood,  this  should  be  done  as  follows:  Boil  the  twigs 
of  spice-wood  to  a  strong  decoction,  and  place  the  vessel 
under  the  afflicted  part,  covering  the  limb  at  the  same- 
lime  to  prevent  the  steam  from  escaping,  let  it  remain  un- 
til it  is  properly  steamed;  next  anoint  it  with  cedar  oil  and 
bathe  it  in  with  ahpt  iron  or  shovel.  If  it  is  in  the  first  or 
forming  stage,  after  it  is  steamed  and  anointed,  apply  a 
poultice  made  of  pole-cat  or  cat-paw  bark,  this  bark  is  to 
be  boiled  to  a  strong  decoction,  and  the  decoction  thick- 
ened with  rye  meal  or  wheat  bran.  This  poultice  is  to 
scatter  or  drive  back  the  disease,  which  it  will  do  in  a  few 
days  if  matter  is  not  already  formed  at  the  bone;  where 
matter  bets  formed  at  the  bone  the  disease  must  come  to  a 
head — -In  this  case  steam  and  anoint  it  as  above  directed, 
and  apply  a  poultice  made  of.  one-third  poke-root  to  two- 
thirds  buckeye-root,  (the  bark  off  the  roots  is  the  part  used) 
they  are  to  be  boiled,  thickened  and  applied,  as  directed 
for  the  ca,t-paw  or  pole  cat  poultice.     When  it  is  sufficient- 


m  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

ly  ripe,  lance  it  deep  and  continue  the  poke  and  buckeye 
poultice  until  a  copious  discharge  is  produced;  if  this 
poultice  should  give  much  pain  it  may  be  changed  for  one 
made  by  boiling  the  root  of  highland  ferin  and  thickening 
it  as  directed  for  the  above  poultices;  but  whenever  the  in- 
flammation increases,  and  the  part  swells,  the  poke  and 
buckeye  poultice  must  be  applied  for  a  time.  After  the 
inflammation  has  subsided  the  cat-paw  poultice  may  be 
applied.  The  affected  part  must  be  regularly  steamed,  a- 
nointed  and  pulticed  every  twelve  hours.  Cases  of  long 
standing  will  require  more  time  to  effect  a  cure  than  those 
of  short  duration;  but  the  above  treatment  will  cure,  let. 
the  case  be  of  as  long  standing  as  it  may,  if  properly  and 
persevering!}7  attended  to. 


FELON  or  WHITLOW—  (Oo-ne-scoh-kupee.) 

Felon  is  an  inflammation  of  the  finger  or  thumb,  and 
generally  confines  itself  to  the  first  joint.  This  disease 
bears  so  strong  a  likeness  to  white  swelling  that  I  am  con- 
strained to  believe  that  it  is  one  and  the  same  disease,  for 
Fellon  like  white  swelling,  evidently  has  its  seat  on  the 
•surface  of  the  bone,  or  in  the  periosteum  wdiich  covers  the 
bone,  it  is  attended  with  the  most  exquisite  pain;  this  pain 
continues,  in  some  instances,  for  several  days  before  the 
color  or  appearance  of  the  affected  thumb  or  finger  is  ma- 
terially changed — but  if  the  disease  is  not  checked,  the  af- 
fected part  will  put  on  a  glossy  or  shiny  appearance.  I 
have  known  this  torturing  malady  to  prevent  the  sufferer 
from  sleeping,  for  one,  two  and  even  three  weeks  in  suc- 
cession, during  which  time  the  part  was  regularly  atten- 
ded to  in  the  usual  manner  with  warm  poultices,  &c. 

Treatment. — On  the  first  appearance  of  the  Felon,  the 
-circulation  should  be  prevented  in  the  affected  part  by 
means  of  tape  or  similar  binding;  the  affected  thumb  or 
finger  should  be  pressed  gently  between  the  thumb  and 
fore  finger,  then  wind  the  tape  tightly  around  it  commen- 
cing at  the  extremity  and  winding  upwards  towards  the 
hand.  This  bandage  should  remain  until  a  cure  is  affec- 
ted. If  the  bandage  should  increase  the  pain  so  that  it 
cannot  be  born,  it  should  be  gradually  loosened  until  it  can 
be  borne;  but  as  immediate  ease  is**  a  blessing  which  the 
great  Author  of  our  being  seems  to  have  denied  in  this  top" 
during  little  plague,  it  is  hoped  thafc$ome  patience  will  he 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  65 

exercised  with  regard  to  the  bandage,  it  may  be  taken  off 
once  in  twenty-four  hours  to  examine  the  part,  but  must 
be  replaced  immediately.  If  the  Felon  is  so  far  advanc- 
ed as  to  have  formed  matter,  next  the  bone,  an  incision 
should  be  made  with  a  needle  or  lancet  to  the  bone,  and 
the  bandage  again  applied  moderately  tight,  and  a  poul- 
tice of  bitter  herbs  applied  to  the  incision.  Some  phy- 
sicians recommend  the  insertion  of  vegetable  caustic 
to  the  bottom  of  the  incision.  It  is  likely  the 
caustic  would  render  the  cure  more  speedy  but  it  would 
be  a  very  severe  application.  Where  the  patient  will 
not  submit  to  the  above  treatment  look  under  the  head  of 
white  swelling  for  another  mode.  I  have  used  the  black 
poultice  with  much  success  in  driving  back  risings  of  oth- 
er descriptions,  and  when  they  were  too  far  advanced  to 
be  driven  back,  it  causes  them  to  come  to  a  head  soonerand 
with  much  less  pain  than  they  would  otherwise  do.  I 
have  often  thought  that  this  poultice  might  prove  benefi- 
cial in  case  of  Felon,  but  have  never  tried  it.  But  cedar 
oil  is  the  "sovereign  balm"  in  all  diseases  of  the  bone  and 
the  membrane  which  covers  it. 


PHTHISIC  OR  ASTEMA.—(Tse-?iah-icah,ste-skow.) 

This  distressing  complaint  has  long  been  numbered  with 
those  that  could  only  be  mitigated,  and  not  cured;  but  the 
Cherokees  profess  to  be  master  of  this  disease  with  all  its 
wheezing  terrors.  It  is  a  spasmodic  affection  of  the  lungs, 
which  mostly  qomes  on  by  paroxysms  or  fits.  From  in- 
fancy to  old  age,  all  sexes  are  subject  to  this  complaint. 
Many  children  that  have  been  afflicted  with  it  from  a  very 
early  age  appear  to  outgrow  it  about  the  time  they  arrive 
at  the  age  of  puberty.  Also  at  this  age  manyj  persons  be- 
come afflicted  with  it  who  have  never  before  had  it. — 
Where  it  is  not  hereditary,  it  leaves  persons  at  or  a  little 
after  middle  age,  say  40  or  50.  But  if  it  be  hereditary, 
and  does  not  go  off  at  the  tinje  he  or  she  arrives  at  the 
age  of  man  or  woman,  it  is  apt  to  become  more  aggrava- 
ted in  the  decline  of  life. 

Causes  which  excite,  or  bring  on  a  spell  or  fit,  are  often 
owing  to  the  peculiar  states  of  the  atmosphere.  It  may 
be  too  hot  or  too  cold,  too  dry  or  too  damp,  it  may  contaiii 
too  much  or  too  little  electricity,  for  the  nature  of  the  dis- 


68  INDIAN .  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH, 

ease  in  different  persons.  When  the  body  is  warm  and 
sweating,  sudden  cold  is  sure  to  produce  it;' sudden  chan- 
ges from  dry  hot  to  damp  cool  weather  almost  invariably 
produce  a  paroxysm  of  this  disease  on  those  who  are  ad- 
dicted to  it. 

Symptoms. — For  several  hours,  and  in  some  instances 
days,  before  the  fit  comes  on,  you,  feel  a  slight  difficulty  of 
breathing,  a  weight  and  fullness  in  the  breast  and  stomach, 
bad  appetite  and  sometimes  a  great  craving  for  food; 
headache,  depression  of  spirits  amounting  to  melancholy,, 
restless  feelings  accompanied  with  drowsiness;  the  fit  or 
paroxysm  usually  comes  on  of  an  evening  or  night,  with 
great  difficulty  in  breathing,  attended  almost  to  suffoca- 
tion, a  wheezing  noise  is  made  in  breathing,  attended  by. 
a  hard  dry  cough  at  first,  which  gradually  diminishes  in 
toughness  until  a  white,  stringy,  tough  mucous  is  dis- 
charged from  the  throat  and  mouth,  accompanied  by  a 
gentle  moisture  of  the  skin,  and  in  some  instances  it 
amounts  to  copious  sweating,  severe  palpitation  of  the 
heart,  fever  and  sometimes  vomiting  attend  it. 

Treatment.— Take  a  half  pound  of  garlic,  three  or  four 
pods  of  red  pepper  and  a  table  spoonful  of  common  salt, 
pulverize  and  mix  them  well  together,  and  take  what  will 
make  two  pills  morning  and  night,  and  a  greater  quantity 
if  the  urgency  of  the  ease   requires  it;  but  this    amount 
should  be  regularly  taken  when  the  patient  is  apparently 
free  from  the  disease.     Secondly,  boil  sour-wood  bark  or 
leaves  to  a  strong  decoction,  then  strain  the  decoction  and 
boil  it  down  to  the  consistency  of  molasses,  then  take  com-, 
raon  brown  sugar  and  heat  it  in  an  oven  over  a  slow  fire 
until  it  melts  and  again  becomes  dry  and  lumpy,  then  add 
them  together — proportions,  four  table  spoonfuls  of  the 
molasses  to  one  pound  of  sugar,  to  which  add  three  table 
spoonfuls  of  sweet  or  British  oil,  put  it  again  over  a  slow 
fire  and  mix  it  well  together,  and  bottle  for  use.     Give  a 
tea  spoonful  of  this  syrup  or  mixture  morning  and  even- 
ing.    This  last  preparation  of  itself  often  effects  an  entire 
cure,  but  I  prefer  using  them  together  as  above  directed. — 
They  should  be  taken  regular  even  when  the  patient  ap- 
pears to  be  entirely  free  from  Phthisic.     Lobelia  is  also 
very  good  for  this  complaint,  either  the  green  or  dry  herb 
digested  in  spirits  long  enough  to  extract  the  strength;  take 
of  this  tincture  just  enough  to  produce  slight  nausea,  say 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH;  67 

three  times  a  day^his  must  be  continued  for  a  length  of 
time  after  all  symptoms  of  the  disease  have  disappeared. 
Smoking  the  root  or  seeds  of  the  Jamestown.  (Jimson)  weed 
is  also  very  good  for  Asthma.  Persons  afflicted  with  this 
disease  suffers  very  much  from  extreme  weakness  and  pal- 
pitation of  the  heart,  particularly  of  a  morning — to  relieve 
this,  swallow  a  raw  egg  every  morning  with  a  few  swal-jj 
lows  of  fresh  spring  water  for  several  mornings,  say  ten 
or  twelve,  then  omit  a  few  and  again  use  the  egg.  The 
Asthmatic  should  rise  early,  take  moderate  exercise  in  the 
open  air,  but  should  avoid  wet  and  damp.  The  diet 
-should  be  light,  nourishing  and  frequeut.  In  cases  where 
the  difficulty  of  breathing  is  extremely  great,  temporary 
relief  may  be  had  by  stewing  together  equal  quantities  of 
sage  and  honey,  and  letting  the  patient  swallow  it  in  tea 
spoonful, doses.  I  believe  bleeding  to  be  very  injurious  in 
this  disease,  although  it  is  recommended  in  the  writings  of 
several  eminent  physicians. 


FEVERS. 


► 


GENERAL  REMARKS. 

Fever  shows  itself  in  so  many  ways  and  forms,  that  it  is 
almost  impossible, to  describe  it  Correctly.  To  judge  of 
its  presence  with  any  degree  of  correctness,  we  will  have 
to  pay  particular  attention-  to  the  following  appearances 
and  indications: ,  ;The  state  of  the  pulse,  the  skin,  the  sto- 
mach and  bowels,  the  breathing,  the  appetite,  the  color  of 
the  face,  thechange  of  feature,  the  tongue,  eyes,  &c. — 
There  is  generally  soreness  over  the  whole  body,  as  if  with 
fatigue  after  a  hard  day's  labor,  great  thirst,  violent  pain 
in  the  head  or  back,  or  both,  sometimes  there  is  a  constant 
desire  to  sleep,  and  sometimes  great  restlessness,  some- 
limes  the  strength  is  greatly  increased  by  Fever. 

From  an  early  period,  down  to  the  present  day,  Fever 
and  febrile  diseases,  have  been  the- fruitful  theme  of  specu- 
lation. .  The  most  distinguished  medical  men  have  differed 
in  opinion  as  to  the  cause  of  Fevers.  Theory  has  been 
piled  upon  theory,  and  the  subject  yet  appears  much  in  the 
dark.  .  The  opinion  that  most  diseases  originate  from  the 
stomach,  appears  to  be  supported  by  as  sound  reasoning, 


68  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH 


and  good  judgment,  as  any  other  theory  that  has  yet  been 
advanced.  The  first  impression  is  made  on  the  stomach 
by  medicine,  which  acts  immediately  by  sympathy.  It  is 
the  general  reservoir  which  receives  those  medical  reme- 
dies by  which  the  disease  is  to  be  subdued:  The  effects 
produced  on  the  system  by  remedies  taken  into  the  stom- 
ach, show  at  once  the  great  sympathy  between  the  stom- 
ach and  the  whole  system,  and  also  the  many  evil  conse- 
quences that  must  evidently  follow  a  derangement  of  this 
reservoir  or  work-shop. 

The  principal  secret  of  medicine  is  to  discover  the  first 
cause  of  disease,  and  in  the  next  place  to  apply  suitable 
remedies  in  a  proper  way,  and  at  a  proper  time.  There 
is  not  so  much  difficulty  in  the  science  and  practice  of 
medicine  as  a  great  many  persons  imagine,  if  you  will  but 
attend  to  the  causes  of  diseases,  and  watch  the  effects  of 
the  remedies.  The  fact  is  that  any  person  possessing  com- 
mon sense  and  judgment,  who  will  take  their  seat  at  the 
bed-side  of  the  sick,  ascertain  how  and  when  he  was  ta- 
ken sick,  and  all  the  particulars  as  to  the  pains  first  com- 
plained of,  and  be  minute  in  examining  into  the  habits  of 
the  patient,  will  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten  succeed  in  reliev- 
ing the  patient,  when  mere  theorists  who  prescribe  for  the 
names  of  diseases,  without  a  due  portion  of  sound  judg- 
ment and  practical  knowledge  will  fail.  The  inhabitants 
of  very  few  countries  are  entirely  exempt  from  the  attacks 
of  Fever.  I  will  therefore  describe  plainlj  the  symptoms 
of  such  Fevers  as  are  most  common  amongst  us,  so  that 
with  a  little  care  and  common  judgment,  the  reader  will 
be  enabled  to  distinguish  between  Fevers  and  other  dis- 
eases, and  also  to  ascertain  the  exciting  cause,  which 
knowledge  will  enable  him  at  once  to  strike  at  the  root  of 
the  disease. 


AGUE  AND  FEVER,  OR  INTERMITTENT  FEVER. 
(Oirnah-wah-stee-skee.) 

This  disease  generally  makes  its  attack  in  the  fall  sen- 
son  of  the  year,  and  those  who  live  on  water  courses,  or 
on  low  marshy  countries  or  situations  are  most  subject  to 
its  attacks. 

Agues  are  generally  distinguished  by  names  expressive 
of  the  periods  of  intermission  or  lapse  of  time  between 
the  fits. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  69 

That   returning  every  twenty-four  hours,  is  called  by 
Doctors,  Quotidian. 

That  which  returns  every  forty-eight  hours,  or  every 
other  day  is  called  Tertians. 

And  that  returning  every  third  day  is  called  Quartans. 

The  above  divisions  are  given  in  order  to  describe  the 
disease  more  plainly,  for  the  treatment  is  the  same,  differ- 
ing only  in  the  mildness  or  severity  of  the  attack;  if  very 
severe  the  remedies  employed  should  be  active  and  pow- 
erful, on  the  contrary  if  the  attack  be  mild  and  gentle, 
remedies  less    active  and  powerful  will  answer.     Each- 
paroxism  or  fit  of  this  fever,  is  divided  into  three  different 
stages:  the  cold,   the  hot,  and  the  sweating  stage.     The 
cold  stage  commonly  coirmences  with  a  feeling  of  lan- 
guor, debility  or  weakness,  and  an  aversion  to  motion. — ■ 
Frequent  stretching  and  yawning;  the  feet  and  hands  be- 
come cold,  the  skin  looks  shriveled,  and  a  numbness  or 
want  of  feeling  is  experienced  over  the  whole  body,  and 
finally  a  chill  comes  on  accompanied  by  a  shivering  or 
shaking,  which  lasts  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes  and  "some- 
times a  much  longer   time.     The  pulse  is  small  and  fre- 
quent,  and  often   irregular.     As  the  chill  or  first  stage 
goes  off,  the  second  or  hot  stage  comes  on,  with  a  sense  of 
heat  over  the  whole  body;  the  face  becomes  red,  the  skin 
dry  and  hot,  increased  thirst,  pain  in  the  back  and  head, 
throbbing  in  the  temples,  accompanied  with  great  anxiety 
and  restlessness;  the  respiration  becomes  fuller  and  freer 
but  is  still  frequent;  the  pulse  becomes  more  regular,  hard 
and  full;  the  tongue  furred.     If  the  attack  be  severe  and 
the   blood  determines  to  the  head,  .delirium   often  takes 
place  for  a  time.     In  the  commencement  of  the  third  and 
last  stage,  the  intense  heat  begins  to  subside,  moisture  be- 
gins to  break  out  ou  the  forehead  and  generally  extends 
itself  over  the  whole  body,  the  thirst  diminishes,  breathing 
becomes  more  free  and  full,  and  most  of  the  functionaries 
resume  their  ordinary  state  and  operation,  but  the  patient 
is  left  in  a  state  of  extreme  weakness. 

Treatment. — First  give  an  emetic  to  cleanse  the  stom- 
ach, see  emetics  in  the  Dispensatory,  next  give  a  purge, 
antibilious  pills  or  some  other  cathartic.  After  the  stom- 
ach and  bowels  have  been  well  cleansed,  give  a  sweat  of 
seneka  snake-root,  black  snake-root  or  burnt  whiskey  and 
red  pepper,  as  either  will  answer.    The  sweat  should  be 


70  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

given  about  an  hour  and  a  half  before  the  expected  return 
of  the  chill.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  regulated  by  the 
use  of  cathartics,  the  above  pill  is  preferable  to  any  ca- 
thartic in  my  knowledge  for  this  purpose.  -  After  the  sweat 
has  been  given  the  patient  should  drink  daily  of  the  tonic 
bitters.     See  Dispensatory. 

If  this  bitter  cannot  be  conveniently  had,  the  patient 
may  take  a  tetrong  decoction  made  of  equal  quantities  of 
wild-cherry  tree  bark,  the  bark  of  the  root  of  red  dog- wood,, 
and  the  bark  of  the  root  of  the  yellow  or  swamp  poplar. — 
A  table  spoonful  of-  this  decoction  should  be  taken  regu- 
larly every  hour  whan  there  is  no  fever,  but  when  there  is 
fever,  it  should  be-omitted.  The  Ague  pill  is  also  a  val- 
uable remedy  for  Ague  and  Fever.  For  the  mode  of  pre- 
paring and  administering  these  pills,  refer  to  the  Dispen- 
satory. 

BILIOUS  FEVER—  {Remittent  Fever.) 

Bilious  Fever  is  Ague  and  Fever  just  described,  under 
something  of  a  different  modification.  In  Ague  and  Fever 
there  is  an  entire  intermission  or  stoppage  of  the  disease, 
whereas,  in  Bilious  or  Remittent  Fever,  there  is  nothing* 
more  than  an  abatement  of  the  fever  for  a  time.  It  has 
received  the  popular  name  of  Bilious  Fever  because  in 
most  cases  there  appears  to  be  an  increased  secretion  of 
bile.  Bilious  attacks  are  most  frequent  in  the  latter  part 
of  summer  and  in  the  fall.  It  is  most  commonly  met  with 
along  streams,  in  the  vicinity  of  marshes  and  near  stag- 
nant waters.  In  warm  climates,  where  great  heat  and 
heavy  rains  rapidly  succeed  each  other,  Remittent  Fevers 
of  a  very  malignant  character  sometimes  prevail  as  an 
epidemic. 

The  symptoms,  are  a  sense  of  heaviness  and  languor, 
pain  in  the  head  and  back;  in  most  cases  the  patient  is  ta- 
ken with  a  chill,  which  is  succeeded  by  intense  heat  over 
the  whole  body — the  pulse  is  more  tense  and  full  than  in 
Ague  and  Fever.  If  the  attack  of  Bilious  Fever  be  severe, 
the  eyes  and  skin  often  appear  yellow,  the  tongue  is  cov- 
ered with  a  brownish  fur,  the  bowels  are  generally  cos- 
tive and  the  urine  high  colored. 

Treatment. — In  mild  attacks  of  this  disease,' if  taken  at 
the  commencement,  it  maybe  thrown  off  by  cleansing  the 
bowels  with  antibilious  pills  or  some  other  cathartic,  and 


INDIAN  GUIDE   TO  HEALTH.  71 

'  drinking  freely  of  some  sweating  tea.  But  if  the  attack 
"be  violent,  more  active  means  must  be  employed.  Give 
an  emetic  of  gulver  and  ipecac  or  Indian  physic  to  cleanse 
'  the  stomach  and  render  its  operation  fully  effective  by 
giving  warm  water  or  chamomile  tea  freely;  when  the 
stomach  is  well  cleansed  give  water  gruel  to  determine  it 
to  the  bowels.  It  the  emetic  is  taken  in  the  morning,  the 
patient  should  take  a  dose  of  antibilious  pills  at  night,  say 
from  eight  to  ten  hours  after  the  emetic.  After  the  sto- 
'.mach  and  bowels  have  been  cleansed  in  the  above  man- 
ner, give  a  sweat  of  Seneka  or  black  snake-root;  a  tea  of 
rag-weed  will  answer  admirably  and  will  produce  copi- 
ous sweating,  in  many  instances,  where  nothing  else  will. 
If  the  fever  should  rise  very  high  and  produce  delirium, 
put  the  hands  in  Cold  water,  or  rub  the  hands  and  wrists 
with  cloths  wet  With  cold  water  and  vinegar,  and  apply 
cloths  wet  with  cold  water  and  vinegar  to  the  forehead 
and  temples,  and  bleed  freely  according  to  the  strength  and 
constitution  of  the  patient.  Care  must  be  taken  to  con- 
tinue the  use  of  purges,  until  the  stools  assume  a  healthy 
appearance.  Next  take  three  table-spoonfuls  of  the  pow- 
ders of  boneset,  and  pour  on  them  a  quart  of  boiling  wa- 
ter; of  this  tea,  let  the  patient  drink  a  half-pint  a  day,  un- 
less it  should  produce  vomiting,  in  which  case  the  quanti- 
ty must  be  diminished;  this  tea  is  intended  to  act  mildly 
on  the  bowels,  and  also  on  the  liver.  It  is  one  of  the  best 
correctors  of  the  bile  now  known.  After  the  disease  i& 
checked,  if  the  patient  suffers  from  debilit}^,  give  tonics, 
such  as  dog-wood-bark,  columbo-root,  wild  cherry-tree 
bark,  &c.  See  tonics  in  the  Dispensatory,  and  also  in  the 
Materia  Medica,  at  which  places  you  will  find  direc- 
tions for  preparing  and  administering  medicines  of  this 
class. 

Puking,  purging  and  bleeding,  is  often  followed  to  such 
an  extent  as  to  bring  the  patient  to  an  alarming  state  of 
debility  as  soon  as  the  fever  leaves;  in  cases  of  this  kind 
give  the  chalybeate  pill  morning,  noon  and  night.  Dose 
in  this  case  is  one  pill  about  the  size  of  a  summer  grape; 
this  medicine  acts  more  like  a  charm  in  extreme  debility 
than  anything  else. 

I  omitted  stating  in  the  proper  place,  that  plasters  of 
mustard-seeds,  or  poke-root  poultices,  or  some  other  of  the 
articles  recommended  for  that  purpose  in  Materia  Medica. 


72  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

should  be  applied  to  the  feet  to  produce  a  revulsion  from 
the  head,  where  the  fever  is  very  high  and  the  determina- 
tion to  the  brain  very  great.  This  will  greatly  aid  the 
bleeding  and  cold  applications  to  the  head  and  wrists  in 
giving  relief. 


NERVOUS  FEVER— (Typhus  Fever.) 
lGah-lah-a-lee-oo~lee.~\ 

This  Fever  as  its  name  imports,  affects  the  whole  ner- 
vous system,  and  produces  a  tremulous  motion  of  the 
body  and  limbs,  and  extreme  debility,  which  attends  it 
from  the  very  beginning;  the  system  appears  to  be  sink- 
ing, great  weariness,  loss  of  appetite,  low  spirits,  frequent 
sighing,  are  among  the  first  symptoms;  these  are  soon  fol- 
lowed by  dryness  of  the  mouth,  quick  low  pulse,  and  some- 
times an  unnatural  perspiration  or  sweat  breaks  out  on 
the  skin  for  a  time.  The  sleep  is  very  much  disturbed 
and  unrefreshing,  the  countenance  sinks,  or  seems  to 
change  fiom  its  natural  expression  of  feature  to  a  ghastly 
appearance,  the  tongue,  teeth  and  gums  soon  become  cov- 
ered with  a  dark  buff-colored  scurf,  the  sight  of  food  is 
unpleasant,  and  sometimes  disgusting,  from  the  extreme 
debility  or  weakness  of  the  stomach.  The  difficulty  of 
breathing  becomes  very  considerable,  sometimes  the  hands 
and  feet  are  glowing  with  heat,  whilst  the  forehead  is  cov- 
ered with  sweat;  sometimes  it  comes  very  suddenly  with 
chills  and  flushes,  and  at  other  times  it  is  ten  or  twelve. 
days,  or  even  longer,  before  it  shows  symptoms  of  vio- 
lence, making  its  advances  so  slowly  and  gradually  as  to 
produce  no  alarm.  The  following  symptoms  may  be  con- 
sidered very  dangerous:  A  constant  inclination  to  throw 
off  the  cover;  a  changing  of  the  voice  from  its  usual  tone; 
great  weakness;  picking  at  the  bed-clothing;  inability  to 
retain  or  hold  the  urine;  involuntary  discharge  from  the. 
bowels;  slight  aberrations  :of  the  mind,  muttering  as  if 
speaking  to  one's  self;  a  wild  and  fixed  look,  as  if  the  eyes 
were  riveted  on  some  particular  object.  When  these  last 
symptoms  occur,  there  is  little  to  expect  but  that  the  case 
will  terminate  fatally. 

Treatment. — Give  an  emetic  to  cleanse  the  stomach. — 
Ipecac,  or  Indian  physic,  and  gulver,  (see  Dispensatory,)  in 
tenor  twelve  hours  after  the  operation  of  the  emetic,  give 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  73 

a  purge  of  anti-billious  pills,  or  some  other  purge.  See 
cathartics  in  the  Dispensatory. 

After  the  stomach  and  bowels  have  been  cleansed  in  the 
above  manner,  give  the  hepatic  pill  night  and  morning;  4 
for  a  dose.  A  gentle  perspiration  should  be  kept  up  by 
the  use  of  snake-root  tea.  After  the  stomach  and  bowels 
have  been  cleansed,  as  above  directed,  the  patient  should 
make  constant  use  of  bitters  ofgulver,  ipecac  or  Indian 
physic  and  bone-set,-  infused  in  good  whiskey  or  wine. — 
Where  there  is  trembling  of  the  limbs  and  great  agitation 
of  the  nerves,  give  nerve  powders  in  the  tea  taken  by  the 
patient,  freely.  If  the  bowels  incline  to  be  costive,  use  in- 
jections of  thin  gruel  made  tolerably  salt,  to  which  add 
nerve  powders  freely.  In  the  low  stage  of  this  disease, 
use  wine  freely:  if  the  pulse  is  low,  and  the  extremities 
cold,  apply  mustard  seed  plasters  to  the  feet,  ankles  and 
wrists;  also  bathe  and  rub  them  well  with  whiskey  and 
red  pepper. 

Diets  must  be  light  and  nourishing,  taken  frequently 
and  in  small  quantities.  Slippery-elm  tea  or  mucilage,  is 
a  valuable  drink  in  this  Fever;  dried  apple  or  peach  syrrup 
or  tea  is  also  very  good.  All  possible  pains  should  be  ta- 
ken to  keep  the  mind  of  the  patient  composed. 

Tonics  may  be  used  freely  in  the  advanced  stagesvof  this 
disease  with  good  effects;  camphor  will  have  a  good  effeci; 
combined  with  dog- wood  or  wild  cherry-tree  bajk.  Wind 
or  French  brandy  may  be  taken  freely. 

Bleeding  in  Nervous  Fever  is  almost  certain  death,  and 
should  never  be  practiced  at  any  stage  of  the  disease. 


YELLOW  FEVER. 

Symptoms. — An  attack  of  Yellow  Fever  is  sometimes 
preceded  by  loss  of  appetite,  disagreeable  taste  in  the 
mouth,  heat  in  the  stomach,  pain  or  giddiness  in  the  head, 
costiveness,  languor,  debilit}',  and  dejection  of  spirits.  At 
other  times  it  attacks  suddenly,  with  a  chill,  a  pain  in  the 
head  and  eye-balls,  flushing  of  the  face,  excessive  thirst, 
and  great  prostration  of  strength;  the  stomach  is  very  irri- 
table, thro  wing  up  whatever  is  taken  into  it;  the  tongue  is 
covered  with  a  dark  colored  fur,  the  skin  dry  and  hot,  pulse 
small,  and  quick,  and  hard,  the  urine  high  colored  and 
voided  in  small  quantities;  the  eyes,  and  skin  about  the 
face,  neck,  and  breast,  becomes   yellow;  a  dark  colored 


74  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

matter  resembling  coffee  grounds  is  at  length  thrown  up 
frOm  the  stomach,  called  the  black  vomit.  Sometimes 
diarrhaea  takes  place,  the  stools  have  a  very  offensive 
smell,  and  a  black  or  green  color;  sometimes  the  victim  of 
this  disease  sinks  into  a  sleepy  state  and  dies  without  a 
struggle.  At  other  times  putrid  symptoms  of  a  very  vio- 
lent character  occur,  and  the  patient  dies  in  convulsions. 

Treatment. — This  Fever  requires  prompt  and  efficient 
treatment  at  the  very  onset.  As  soon  as  Yellow  Fever  is 
discovered,  cleans  the  stomach,  by  giving  an  emetic:  for 
this  purpose  the  roasted  root  of  prickly-sumac  is  probably 
the  best  article  in  mv  knowledge.  Take  a  double  hand- 
ml  of  the  roasted  root,  steep  it  in  water  until  the  strength 
is  extracted,  then  give  a  half  pint  of  the  tea  or  more,  and 
repeat  in  fifteen  minutes  if  the  iirst  should  not  operate; 
give  warm  water  freely  to  render  the  operation  fully  effec- 
tive. After  the  operation  of  the  emetic,  give  anti-billious 
pills  to  cleans  the  bowels — for  dose  see  Dispensatory. — 
Then  give  a  tea  of  barberry-root  or  the  root  of  golden-seal, 
one  or  both;  this  tea  is  made  by  putting  one-fourth  ounce 
of  the  dried  root  into  a  quart  of  boiling  water — of  this  the 
patient  should  drink  a. pint  a  day,  or  more  if  the  stomach 
will  bear  it.  The  patient  should  be  kept  in  a  gentle  per- 
spiration by  the  use  of  seneca  or  black-snake  root  tea.-^— 
The  bowels  should  be  kept  regulated  through:the  whole 
course  by  the  use  of  anti-billious  pills,  taken  in  small 
doses  morning  and  night,  just  sufficient  to  produce  the 
desired  effect  on  the  bowels,  which  must  be  judged  of  by 
he  who  administers. 


SCARLET  FEVER. 

This  disease  often  prevails  as  an  epidemic,  and  is  most 
frequent  in  the  Fall  season  of  the  year,  though  it  may  oc- 
cur at  any  season  of  the  year.  It  is  most  apt  to  attack 
children  and  young  persons,  yet  it  sometimes  attacks 
whole  families  and  persons  of  all  ages. 

Symptoms. — This,  like  other  Fevers,  commences  with 
languor,  lassitude,  chills,  heat,  dry  skin,  nausea,  and  some- 
times vomiting.  The  pulse  is  quick  though  languid,  the 
respiration  difficult  and  hurried,  the  skin  is  red  like  scar- 
let, and  if  the  disease  is  "suffered  to  progress,  spots  of  a 
vivid  red  color  make  their  appearance  on  the  face  and 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  75 

rieck,  and  gradually  extend  over  the  whole  body;  the  throat 
becomes  sore,  the  voice  hoarse,  and  the  breathing  very 
hurried  and  difficult;  in  the  evening  the  fever  is  highest 
and  the  spots  brightest.  In  the  more  malignant  form  of 
this  disease,  all  the  above  symptoms  are  aggravated,  in- 
flamation  and  ulceration  of  the  tonsils  takes  place,  the 
redness  or  efflorescence  spreads  over  the  whole  body,  with 
appearance  of  swelling,  the  tongue,  which  in  the  milder 
form  of  the  disease  is  covered  with  a  white  thick  fur,  is  in 
the  more  malignant  form  covered  with  a  black  or  brown- 
ish fur  or  incrustation.  Derangement  of  the  mind  is  com- 
mon to  each  form  of  Scarlet  Fever.  When  there  is  a  ten 
dency  to  putrifaction  the  pulse  becomes  small  indistiact 
and  irregular;  the  sores  in  the  mouth  and  nose  and  throat 
become  very  putrid,  and  a  briny  substance  or  matter  is 
often  discharged  from  the  nose,  which  takes  the  skin  as  it 
passes.  This  last  stage  of  the  disease  is  considered  very 
dangerous,  and  if  immediate  relief  is  not  had  the  system 
.sinks  into  a  state  of  collapse. 

Treatment. — First  give  an  emetic  or  puke  to  cleanse 
the  stomach.  A  tea  made  of  the  bark  of  the  shell-bark 
hickory  is  the  best  emetic  with  which  I  am  acquainted; 
for  this  purpose  it  should  be  steeped  in  water  until  the 
strength  is  extracted,  and  the  tea  administered  freely  un- 
til it  operates.  When  it  is  not  convenient  to  give  the 
above  emetic,  any  other  good  emetic  will  answer — see 
emetics  in  Dispensatory.  The  bowels  should  next  be 
cleansed  by  giving  a  dose  of  anti-bilious  pills  or  some  oth- 
er cathartic.  After  the  stomach  and  bowels  have  been 
cleansed  as  above  directed,  the  patient  should  take  the 
hepatic  pill  every  morning  on  a  fasting  stomach — three 
for  a  dose  for  an  adult;  also  give  sweating  teas  freely,  such 
as  black  or  seneca  snake-root;  during  the  whole  course 
must  be  kept  regulated  by  the  use  of  anti-bilious  pills  or 
some  other  cathartic,  taken  in  small  portions  night  and 
morning. 

If  the  Fever  should  continue  high  and  the  thirst  be 
great,  the  emetic  should  be  repeated;  if  the  throat  should 
become  very  sore,  treat  it  as  directed  for  Malignant  Sore 
Throat.  If  the  patient  should  sink  into  extreme  weak- 
ners  or  debility,  give  dogwood-root  bark  in  tea  or  deeoc- 
tion  freely  to  drink  and  by  injections;  also  give  the  chaly-  ~ 
beate  pills  night  and  morning.     A  little  sulphur  should  be 


7(5  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

added  to  the  diaphoretic  tea  which  will  prevent  heart  sick- 
ness, and  aid  in  driving  the  efflorescence  to  the  surface, 
which  is  the  principal  object  in  this  disease.  Flannel 
wet  with  spirits,  may  be  kept  to  the  neck,  and  the  patient 
may  inhale  the  steam  of  vinegar  from  the  spout  of  a  cof- 
fee-pot.    The  drink  should  be  warm  and  the  diet  light. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BRAIN. 

Symptoms. — Violent  pain  in  the  head,  the  eyes  are  red, 
inflamed,  and  unable  to  bear  the  light;  watchfulness, 
frightful  dreams,  great  anxiety  and  indistinct  recollection. 
The  face  becomes  flushed,  the  skin  dry,  the  bowels  cos- 
tive, the  urine  scant,  and  there  is  an  extreme  susceptibili- 
ty of  the  whole  nervous  system.  The  pulse  is  irregular 
and  tremulous,  or  strong  and  hard;  the  arteries  of  the  tem- 
ples and  neck  usually  throb  and  beat  violently.  In  the 
first  stages  of  this  disease  the  patient  dislikes  to  talk,  but 
as  the  disease  advances,  the  eyes  assume  a  great  bright- 
ness, the  patient  becomes  furious  and  talks  wildly,  and 
generally  on  subjects  which  have  left  deep  impressions  on 
the  mind  when  in  health.  The  tongue  becomes  dry  and 
rough  and  of  a  black  or  dark  yellow  color.  Favorable 
symptoms  are  copious  perspiration,  discharge  of  blood 
from  the  nose,  a  dysentary  and  plentiful  evacuation  of 
urine.  Unfavorable  symptoms,  are  starting  of  the  nerves, 
total  deprivation  of  sleep,  retention  of  urine,  continual  spit- 
ting and  grinding  the  teeth,  and  violent  fits  of  delirium. 

Inflammation  of  the  brain  is  sometimes  a  primary  ideo- 
phatic  disease,  but  it  is  often  only  symptomatic  of  some 
other  complaint.  Inflammation  of  the  brain,  may  at  all 
times  be  considered  an  extremety  dangerous  disease,  and 
one  which  must  inevitably  prove  fatal  without  the  imme- 
diate use  of  active,  prompt  and  efficient  remedies. 

Causes  likely  to  produce  this  disease  are,  excessive  use 
of  ardent  spirits,  indulgence  in  violent  fits  of  passion,  in- 
tense stud)-,  excessive  venery,  violence  about  the  head,  as 
blows,  &sc.  Sudden  cold,  long  exposure  to  the  direct,  rays 
of  the  hot  sun,  fevers,  small-pox,  mumps,  and  also  by  the 
sudden  suppression  of  accustomed  evacuations,  whether 
natural  or  artificial.  When  the  disease  is  long  protract- 
ed, it  often  terminates  in  insanity. 

Treatment. — First  take  blood  from  the  arm  by  a  large 
orifice  or  opening;  wait  a  little  while  and  again  take  blood,, 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEJALTH.  77 

until  a  gentle  sweat  is  seen,  or  the  patient  feels  like  faint- 
ing.    Let  the  patient  be  kept  in  bed,  with  the  head  placed 
on  high  pillowing  and  the  body  in  as  upright  a  posture  as 
possible,  so  as  to  lessen  as  far  as  possible  the  determina- 
tion or  flowing  of  the  blood  to  the  head.     Give  a  dose  of 
antibilious  pills,  and  aid  their  operation  by  the  frequent  use 
of  laxative  injections.    But  while  the  above  means  are  in 
use  for  the  evacuation  of  the  contents  of  the  bowels,  lose 
no  time  in   shaving  the  hair  from   the  head,  and  apply 
cloths  wet  in  the  coldest  water  and  vinegar  that  can  be 
had  constantly  over  the  naked  head;  if  ice  can  be  had,  put 
a  portion  with  the  vinegar  and  it  will  be  so  much  the  bet- 
ter.    If  this  does  not  cause  the  violence  of  the  symptoms 
to  abate  in  a  short  time,  and  the  strength  of  the  patient 
will  bear  it,  give  an  emetic  of  ipecac  and  gulver  (see  Dis- 
pensatory,)  or  Indian  physic,  and  draw  a  blister  on  the 
back  part  of  the  head  and  neck,  also  bathe  the  feet  in 
warm  water  and  apply  plasters  of  mustard-seeds  to  them 
and  th3  ankles  in  order  to  produce  a  revulsion  of  the  blood 
from  the  head.     1  neglected  to  state  in  the  proper  place, 
that  after  the  bleeding  arid  evacuation  of  the  contents  of 
the  bowels,  every  means  should  be  used  to  produce  sweat- 
ing, such  as  the  free  use  of  diaphoretic  teas  or  powders;  for 
this  purpose  a  tea  of  seneca  snake-root  and  black  snake- 
root  is  preferable,  but  where  neither  of  these  can  be  had, 
other  diaphoretics  will  answer.     After  the  violent  symp- 
toms abate,  still  keep  the  bowels  open  for  several  daws 
with  cream  of  tartar,  salts,  senna,  or  something  that  causes 
copious  watery  discharges  from  the  bowels.     During  the 
whole  time  the  room  of  the  patient  should  be  kept  perfect- 
ly cool  and  as  dark  as   convenient,  nor  ought  the  least 
noise  to  be  permitted  to  disturb  the  quiet  of  the  patient. — 
When  the  fever  begins  to  subside  and  the  reason  to  return, 
these  instructions  should  be  particularly  attended  to — be- 
cause the  slightest  cause  will,  in  many  instances,  bring  on 
a  return  of  the  disease  and  with  redoubled  violence,  which 
will  in  all  probability  prove  fatal  in  a  short  time.     Diets 
for  several  days  should  be  of  the  lightest  kind. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

Inflammation  of  the  Stomach  may  proceed  from  obstruc- 
ted perspiration,  from  receiving  blows  or  wounds  in  the 
region  of  the  stomach,  from  severe  and  frequent  emetics, 


78  INDIAN  .GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  ; 

drinking:,  extremely  cold  "water  when  the  body  is  over- 
heated from  corrosive, poisons  taken  into  the  stomach;  also 
by  the  transition  of  the  g.ou.%  or.  acute  rheumatism  to  the 
stomach. 

Symptoms.^ — Inflammation  of  the  Stomach  can  easily  be 
distinguished  from  other  diseases  by  its  peculiar  symptoms, 
it  is  therefore  impossible  to  mistake-it  for  any  other  dis- 
ease if  proper  attention  be  paid  to  those  symptoms.  It  is 
always  attended  with  a  violent  pain  in  the  stomach,  which 
is  greatly  increased  by  pressure  oyer  the  stomach;  there 
is  also  a  burning  heat  at  the  pitof  the  stomach,  frequent 
retching  as  if  to  vomit;  when  any  thing  is  taken  into  the 
stomach  it  is. immediately  vomited  up;  there  is  great  loss 
of  strength, .  excessive  thirst  and  uneasiness,  continued 
moving  of  the  body  from  side  to  side.  If  the  disease  be- 
not  checked,  it  rapidly  advances,  the  hands  and  feet  be- 
come cold;  the  bowels  costive,  the  countenance  haggard 
and  wears  an  indiseribably  anxious  aspect,  hickups  ensue 
and  the  patient  soon  dies. 

Treatment. — This  is  a  very  dangerous  complaint,  and 
may  terminate  fatally  in  twenty- four  hours,  if  not  arres-, 
ted  in  its  progress.  First  bleed  freely  .from  the  arm — the 
pulse  is  frequently  low,  and  small,  but>„this,should  not  de- 
ter you  from  bleeding,  the  pulse  will  frequently  rise  on 
bleeding  several  times.  Employ  some  .-, anti-emetic,  to 
check  the  vometino-,  the  contents  of  the  bowels  should  be 
evacuated  as  speedily  as  possible,  by  the  use  of, laxative 
injections,  such  as  gulver  syrup  in  a  strong  tea  of  catnip. 
As  soon  as  the  inflammatory  symptoms  have  been  subdu- 
ed by  frequent  bleeding,  and  clystering,  the  patient  should 
be  put  into  the  warm  bath  and  remain  there  as  long  as 
possible;  as  soon  as  he  is  taken  from  the  bath  apply  a 
blister  over  the  region  of  the  stomachy  or  a  large  plaster 
of  ground  mustard-seeds  wet  with  strong  vinegar  will  an- 
swer., By  turning  to  Dispensatory  vou  will  find  directions 
for  preparing  several  plasters,  which  will  draw  blisters. 
Small  quantities  of  sweet  oil,  given  occasionally  will  aid 
in  allaying  the  inflammation.  The  bowels  must  be  kept 
open  by  injections  made  of  flaxseed  tea,  chicken  water, 
slippery-elm  tea  or  thin  grUel.  These  injections  will  also 
aid  in  nourishing  the  patient,  as  it  will  be  improper  to 
take  nourishment  into  the  stomach.  The  patients  drink 
should  consist  of  slippery-elm  or  flaxseed  tea  taken  a  lit- ... 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. .,  79 . 

tie  below  blood  heat.  When  the  inflammatory  symptoms 
have  subsided  and  the  stomach  will  bear  it,  nourishment 
may  be  taken,  but  it  must  be  done  with  great  caution, 
and  in  very  small  quantities;  it  should  consist  of  slippery- 
elm  tea,  flax-seed  tea,  new  milk  boiled,  and  thickened  a 
little,  rice,  light  soups,  or  thin  gruel  with  a  little  new  milk 
in  it;  any  thing  taken  into  the, stomach  should  neither  be 
too  warm  or  too  cool,  a  little  below  blood  heat  is  probab- 
ly the  safest  temperature.  When,  this  disease  is  produced 
by  poisons  taken  into  the  stomach,  the  poison  must  be  re- 
moved by  an  emetic,  as  directed  under  that  head,  and  the 
disease  then  treated  as  above  directed.  When  inflamma- 
tion of  the  stomach -terminates  fatally,  it  always  ends  in 
mortification.  A  sudden  change  from-  severe  misery  to 
perfect  ease,  is  conclusive  evidence  that  mortification  has 
taken  place.  Inflammation  of  the  stomach,  sometimes  oc- . 
curs  in  putrid  diseases.  '  It  is  discovered  by  inflammatory 
appearances  on  the  inside  of  the  mouth.  When  the  face 
and  mouth  is  so  affected  in  Fevers,  it  is  to  be  feared  that 
it  reaches  the  stomach,  especially  if  the  stomach  shows 
unusual  susceptability,  accompanied  with  frequent  vomi- 
ting— in  this  the  progress  of  the  disease  may  be  arrested 
by  giving  a  tea-spoonful  of  the  spirits  of  turpentine  in  a 
little  water.  This  medicine,  is  well  calculated  to  prevent 
gangrene  and  mortification^. and  must  be  given  more  or 
less  frequently,  according  to  the,  urgency  of  the  symptoms. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  INTESTINES. 

In  this  disease  the  danger  of  mortification  is  great  and 
relief  must  be  given  soon  or  every  effort  will  be  vain. — 
Symptoms  are,  severe  griping  or  pain  in  the  bowels,  es- 
pecially near  the  naval.  It  may  easily  be  distinguished 
from  inflammation  of  the  stomach,  by  the  pain  being  low- 
er down,  and  from  cholic,  by  the  smallness  and  quickness 
of  the  pulse,  and  by  the  extreme  tenderness  of  the  belly, 
the  pain,  being  increased  by  pressure  upon  it;  whilst  in 
cholic  it  affords  relief,  it  is  attended  with  sickness  at  the 
stomach  and  vomiting,  obstinate  costiveness  and  consider- 
able fever.  Great  weakness  attends  this  disease,  the  u- 
rine  is  high  colored  and  voided  with  difficulty. 

Inflammation  of  the  Intestines  is  produced  by  nearly  the 
same  causes  as  those  which  produce  inflammation  of  the 
stomach.     It  also  arises  in  some  instances  from  hard,  indi-. 


80  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

gestible  food  remaining  in  the  bowels;  from  severe  cho- 
lie,  blows  and  wounds  about  the  region  of  the  bowels — 
by  long  and  severe  dysentery,  worms,  and  in  some  instan- 
ces from  hernia  or  rupture. 

Treatment. — In  the  first  stage  of  this  very  dangerous 
disease,  it  will  be  necessary  to  bleed  and  repeat  as  often 
as  the  urgency  of  the  case  requires  it.  A  free  and  thor- 
ough discharge  should  be  produced  from  the  bowels  by 
means  of  laxative  injections  repeated  at  short  intervals  un- 
til the  desired  object  is  obtained.  A  part  of  each  injection 
should  be  composed  of  slippery-elm  or  flaxseed  tea  and  a. 
strong  tea  of  cat-nip.  The  whole  abdomen  should  be  kept 
well  bathed  with  a  strong  tea  of  catnip,  red  pepper  and 
vinegar;  the  warm  bath  will  be  of  service,  but  the  tem- 
perature should  be  very  moderate.  Ii  the  disease  should 
prove  obstinate  or  unyielding,  apply  a  blister  over  the  bel- 
ly. Sweet  oil  may  be  given  in  table-spoonful  doses  and 
repeated  frequently;  after  the  bowels  are  thoroughly 
cleansed,  injections  of  catnip  and  slippery-elm  tea  must 
be  given  frequently  for  several  days,  to  which  may  be 
added  laudanum,  about  forty  or  fifty  drops  for  a  grown 
person  and  less  for  children.  Purgatives  in  this  complaint 
only  tend  to  aggravate  the  symptoms.  Your  principal  re- 
liance is  therefore  to  be  placed  on  injections  and  copious 
bleeding,  especially  if  the  patient  is  of  full  habit.  Char- 
coal taken  by  the  mouth  and  administered  by  injection, 
seldom  fails  to  produce  good  effects.  The  slightest  causes 
are  exceedingly  apt  to  produce  a  relapse  of  this  disease, 
for  this  reason,  exposure  to  cold  should  be  carefully  avoid- 
ed, and  indigestible  food  should  not  be  used;  the  bowels 
should  also  be  kept  regulated  by  the  use  of  mild  and  cool- 
ing injections.  Diet  should  be  very  light  and  taken  in 
very  small  quantities,  and  nothing  better  than  slippery-elm 
tea  could  be  recommended  for  the  patient's  constant  drink. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

Symptoms. — A  severe  pain  about  the  small  of  the  back, 
some  degree  of  fever,  the  pain  frequently  darting  down 
the  thigh  or  thighs,  as  the  case  may  be.  The  urine  voided 
in  small  quantities  and  with  difficulty,  of  a  pale  or  reddish 
color.  The  pain  in  this  disease  is  seated  nearer  the  back 
bone  and  loins  than  in  cholic.  The  bowels  are  costive, 
the  skin  is  dry  and  hot,  there  is  nausea  and  sometimes 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  81 

vomiting.  The  slightest  motion  or  jolting  gives  great 
pain,  and  even  sitting  upright  in  bed  produces  restlessness, 
the  patient  always  experiencing  the  greatest  ease,  when 
lying  on  the  affected  part.  Sometimes  one  and  sometimes 
both  of  the  testicles  are  drawn  up  to  the  belly,  so  that 
you  can  scarcely  feel  them. 

The  causes.most  likely  to  produce  this  complaint,  are 
wounds  or  bruises  of  the  kidneys,  calculous  concretions 
lodged  in  them,  the  too  free  use  of  active  diuretic  medi- 
cines, great  exertions  in  lifting,  violent  and  sudden  strains, 
exposure  to  cold  when  over  heated,  and  lying  on  the  damp 
ground. 

Treatment. — If  the  patient  be  stout  and  full  of  blood,  the 
lancet  should  be  used;  the  bowels  must  be  opened  by  mild 
clysters  and  oil,  cream  of  tartar  or  some  gentle  purge.  A 
mixture  of  sulphur  and  cream  of  tartar  is  an  excellent  pre- 
paration for  keeping  the  bowels  open  in  this  complaint. 
Flannel  cloths  wrung  out  of  hot  catnip  tea,  or  a  decoction 
of  red  pepper  and  vinegar  should  be  applied  over  the  small 
of  the  back.  After  the  bowels  have  been  cleansed  as  a- 
bove  directed,  give  the  diuretic  powders  morning  and  night 
a  tea  spoonful  for  a  dose,  at  the  same  time  let  the  patient 
drink  a  tea  made  of  the  piny  weed  root,  at  least  a  half  pint 
a  day;  if  the  piny  powders  cannot  be  had,  a  tea  of  the  com- 
mon rush  will  answer,  but  it  is  not  so  good  as  the  piny. 

All  the  drinks  should  be  made  warm,  and  a  portion  of 
peach-tree  gum  dissolved  in  them.  Slippery-elm  or  flax- 
seed tea  will  answer  a  good  purpose.  A  strong  decoction 
of  peach-tree  leaves,  either  green  or  dried,  is  a  most  ex- 
cellent remedy  in  this  complaint,  and  has  of  itself  affected 
many  wonderful  cures. 

Diets  should  he  light;  onions,  although  not  a  light  diet, 
will  answer  well  in  this  disease,  where  the  stomach  will 
bear  it.  The  patient  should  be  kept  quiet  and  easy,  and 
free  from  cold  while  any  appearance  of  inflammation  con- 
tinue. When  the  patient  begins  to  recover,  moderate  ex- 
ercise in  the  open  air  will  be  proper  and  advantageous. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

Symptoms. — This  disease  is  known  by  a  sharp  pain  at 
the  bottom  of  the  belly,  immediately  above  the  privates, 
the  pain  is  much  increased  by  pressing  on  the  part  with 


82  INDIAN  GUIip  TO  HEALTH, 

the  fingers;  there  is  sometimes  considerable  uneasiness  in.  , 
the  lower  part  of  the  back.  There  is  a  constant  desire  to-- 
make  water,  which  is  passed  with  much  difiie^ty  and  in 
very  small  quantities,  it  is  high  colored,  and  sot  unfre- 
quently  tinged  with  blood.  It  is  also  attended  -with  sick- 
ness and  vomiting  and  a  constant  desire  to  go  tojStool;  the 
bowels  are  bound,  the  pulse  irregular,  and  always  some 
fever.  Inflammation  of  tile  bladder  is  produced,  by  ob- 
structions in  the  urethra,  by  suppression  of  urine,  by  the 
formation  of  calculous  concretions,  and  by  costiveness.  It 
may  also  be  produced  by  injuries^  such  as  severe  blows, 
falls,  kicks,  &c,  by  holding  the  urine  a  great  length  of  time, 
and  by  taking  the  tincture  of  cantharides  or  Spanish  flies. 

Treatment. — In  this  disease,  when  the  patient  is  of  full 
habit  and  there  is  nuich  fever,  bleed.  The  bowels  must 
be  opened  by  cooling  purges  and  injections,  after  which, 
the  patient  should  take  of  the  diuretic  powders,  as  directed 
for  inflammation  of  the  kidneys,  and  also  drink  of  the  tea 
of  piny  powders  or  rush.  The  region  over  the  bladder 
should  be  frequently  bathed  with  a  strong  decoction  of 
red  pepper  and  vinegar,  or  a  poultice  of  catnip  applied 
over  the  part.  When  this  complaint  is  caused  by  the 
lodgment  of  a  stone  in  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  the  cause 
should  be  removed  as  directed  under  the  head  of  Gravel,  at 
the  same  time  using  the  above  means  to  allay  the  inflam- 
mation. A  tea  of  slippery-elm  or  flax-seed  injected  into 
the  bladder,  will  be  found  very  good.  Every  ..time  the  pa- 
tient has  to  make  water  he  should  sit  over  the  steam  of 
pine  tops,  cedar  tops,  or  bitter  herbs;  this  veil  I  greatly  as- 
sist the  passing  off  of  the  (urine,  and  also  in  relieving  the 
pain  occasioned  by  voiding  it.  Diets  and  drinks  of  a 
heating  nature  should,  by  ail  means,  be  avoided. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  SPLEEN. 

Symptoms. — In  this  disease  there  is  considerable  pain  iti 
the  left  side,  just  under  the  ends  of  the  ribs,  andjr'ound  to 
the  back-bone.  In  severe  cases  the  pain  reaches  up  to 
the  left  arm-pit  and  into  the  shoulder;  th«  skin  .and  eyes 
are  yellow.  The  pain  which  extends  up  the  side,  may 
easily  be  distinguished  from  the  plurisy,  by  numbness  and 
deadness  about  the  shoulder  joint,  and  also  by  the  seat  of 
the  pain  being  below  the  ends  of  the  ribs;  the  symptoms 
most  to  be  relied  on  are,  prking  of  blood,  watchfulness, 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  83 

^reat  weakness,  and  very  frequently  the  mind  is  much 
confused:  there  is  also  considerable  fever. 

Treatment. — Purge  well  with  antibilious  pills.  (See 
Dispensatory  for  dose.)  After  which,  they  should  be.  ta- 
ken in  doses  sufficiently  large,  night  and  morning,  to  keep 
the  bowels  gently  open.  These  pills  are  peculiarly  adapt- 
ed to  this  disease.  The  side  should  be  bathed  frequently 
with  a  strong  decoction  ofpepper  and  vinegar  or  essence 
of  pepper.  After  the  inflammatory  symptoms  have  in 
some  degree  subsided,  the  patient  should  drink  bitters, 
composed  of  equal  quantities  of  gulver-root  and  bone-set 
leaves,  and  a  much  smaller  quantity  of  Indian  physic  in- 
fused in  spirits.  .  If  the  spirits  should  disagree  with  the 
patient,  the  hepatic  pill  or  anti-dispeptic  syrup,  taken 
night  and  morning  will  answer.  In  chronic  cases,  after 
bathing  the  side  as  above  directed,  for  a  few  days  apply  a 
strengthening  plaster.  Diets  must  be  light  and  nourish- 
ing, and-the  exercise  moderate. 

This  complaint  is  brought  on  by  long  continued  fevers, 
or  by  long  continued  fever  and  ague,  and  by  affections  of 
the  liver.  What  are  commonly  termed  ague  cakes,  are 
diseases  of  the  spleen,  and  sometimes  terminates  in  In- 
flammation of  the  Spleen. 

INFLAMMAI  ON  OF  THE  LIVER. 

There  are  two  species  or  forms  of  this  disease,  distin- 
guished as  acute  and  chronic  inflammation  of  the  liver. 

Symptoms  of  acute  Inflammation  of  the  Liver. — In  tliis 
form  of  this  disease,  there  is  a  severe  pain  in  the  right 
side,  from  the  ribs  to  the  hip,  accompanied  with  fever  and 
slight  chills;  the  pain  often  rises  to  the  point  of  the  shoul- 
der, and  extends  to  the  collar-bone;  there  is  hard  breath- 
ing, dry  cough,  a  tightness  across  the  breast,  an  inclina- 
tion to  lie  on  the  right  side  and  yet  hard  pressure  on  the 
right  side  increases  the  pain.  The  bowels  are  costive,  the 
urine  high  colored,  the  pulse  frequent  and  hard,  and  the 
tongue  covered  with  a  whitish  far.  There  is  often  siek- 
ness  and  vomiting  of  a  bilious  matter.  The  skin  is  dry 
and  hot,  and  if  the  disease  is  still  permitted  to  advance, 
the  skin  and  whites  of  the  eyes  assume  a  yellow  color. 

Treatment. — If  the  inflammation  is  considerable,  and 
the  pain  severe,  bleed,  and  folio w<the  bleeding  by  cathar- 
tics.    The  anti- bilious  pill  is  probably  the?.. most  suitable 


84  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH 

preparation  for  this  purpose.  After  the  inflammatory 
symptoms  have  been  subsided  by  bleeding  and  purging, 
give  the  hepatic  pill  night  and  morning — three  for  a  dose 
if  the  stomach  will  bear  them,  if  it  will  not,  give  them  in 
such  doses  as  the  stomaeh  will  bear.  The  bowels  must 
be  kept  open  by  the  daily  use  of  the  anti-billious  pills  in 
small  doses,  the  quantity  being  best  judged  of  by  the  pa- 
tient. The  patient  should  also  drink  freely  of  a  strong  tea 
of  liverwort,  and  use  bitters  composed  of  one-third  silk- 
weed  root  and  two-thirds  butterfly  root.  A  tea  of  spice- 
wood  forms  a  valuable  drink  in  this  disease,  as  it  pro- 
motes a  gentle  perspiration.  Blistering  the  side  often  gives 
great  relief  where  the  pain  is  severe. 

Chronic  is  a  term  applied  to  diseases  which  are  of  long 
continuance,  and  are  generally  attended  with  but  little  fe- 
ver. Chronic  affections  of  the  liver,  is  commonly  best 
known  by  the  name  of" Fever  Complaint "  It  may  either 
be  a  consequence  of  the  above,  or  it  may  come  on  gradu- 
ally, without  acute  inflammation.  The  chronic  form  of 
this  complaint  is  generally  produced  by  exposure  to  sudden 
viscissitudes  of  heat  and  cold,  by  the  intemperate  use  of 
spirituous  liquors,  by  long  continued  attacks  of  intermittent 
and  remittent  fevers,  and  by  the  improper  treatment  of 
measles  and  other  diseases. 

Symptoms. — Chronic  inflammation  of  the  liver,  is  fre- 
quently so  mild  at  its  commencement,  and  so  very  obscure 
in  its  attack,  as  to  produce  but  little  pain,  and  excite  but 
little  uneasiness,  until  the  disease  is  firmly  seated,  at 
which  stage  it  is  tedious  to  cure,  and  if  cured,  requires  a 
persevering  use  of  the  remedies,  with  the  most  scrupulous 
attention  to  regimen  and  diet.  It  is  attended  with  general 
weakness  and  dislike  to  motion,  indigestion,  flatulency  or 
frequent  belching  of  wind  from  the  stomach,  a  short  dry 
eough,  and  occasionally,  difficulty  in  breathing.  The  bot- 
toms of  the  hands  and  feet  are  generally  dry  and  hot,  tho' 
sometimes  moist. and  cold.  A  dull  pain  or  misery  is  felt 
between  the  ribs  and  right  hip,  extending  at  times  to  the 
right,  shoulder.  The  bowels  are  mostly  bound,  but  some- 
times become  very  laxative  for  a,  few  days — the  stools  are 
generally  of  a  clay  color,  and  occasionally  particles  of 
blood  are  seen  among  them.  Whatever  is  taken  into  the 
.•stomach  as  food,  frequently  sours,  and  produces  pains  in 
the  stomach,  and  an  acid  taste  in  the  mouth  and  throat. — 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  85 

There  is  often  a  burning  at  the  stomach,  somewhat  differ- 
ent from  heart-burn,  and  an  unpleasant  headache,  with 
frequent  giddiness  or  swimming.  The  urine  is  high  col- 
ored and  usually  scant,  the  complexion  and  countenance 
assumes  a  sallow  or  diseased  appearance,  and  the  whole 
system  is  oppressed  with  an  unusual  sense  of  fullness. 

Treatment.— First  purge  with  anti-billious  pills,  butter- 
nut syrrup,  or  black-root  pills  or  syrrup,  then  give  the  he- 
patic pill,  three  every  morning,  if  the  stomach  will  bear 
them,  and  two,  if  three  cannot  be  retained  without  pro- 
ducing great  nausea.  A  chalybeate  pill  should  betaken 
every  night  about  the  size  of  a  pea  or  summer  grape. — 
The  patient  should  also  drink  freely  of  the  tea  of  liverwort, 
and  bitters,  as  directed  for  Acute  Inflammation  of  the  Liver. 
During  the  whole  course,  the  bowels  must  be  kept  open 
by  the  use  of  cathartics.  The  Dispensatory  shows  sever- 
al valuable  preparations  for  this  purpose.  Bathing  the 
feet  in  warm  water  frequently,  will  be  found  of  service,  or 
if  convenient,  the  warm  bath  is  much  better. 

The  diets  must  be  light  and  taken  in  small  quantities, 
moderate  exercise  on  horseback  or  otherwise,  will  be  ne- 
cessary. But  all  cold,  immoderate  exercise  and  exposure 
of  every  kind  must  be  avoided,  if  a  cure  is  desired. 


CONSUMPTION. 
(Oo-coh-yo/i-tcr-lsu-ne-si-wah-shan.) 

This  complaint  is  marked  by  a  general  wasting  of  the 
body;  great  weakness  is  felt  on  the  slightest  bodily  exer- 
tion; the  pulse  is  quicker  than  natural,  small  and  irregu- 
lar; a  short  dry  cough  which  becomes  more  troublesome 
at  night;  a  white  frothy  mucous  is  spit  up.  As  the  -dis- 
ease advances,  a  pain,  and  sensation  of  heat  and  oppres- 
sion is  felt  through  the  breast,  extending  up  to  the  points  of 
the  shoulders,  the  spitting  becomes  more  copious  and  fre- 
quent, and  is  sometimes  streaked  with  blood — sometimes 
it  is  dark,  and  at  other  times  it  is  of  a  yellow  or  green  col- 
or, having  a. remarkably  unpleasant  smell;  when  put  into 
pure  water  it  sinks  to  the  bottom,  while  common  mucous 
floats  on  the  surface  of  the  water;  the  urine  is  high  colored, 
and  deposits  a  muddy  sediment,  the  cheek  or  cheeks  fre- 
quently flush  with  hectic  fever,  which  lasts  one  or  two 
hours,  and  then  gradually  goes  off;  the  palms  of  the  hands 
and  the  soles  of  the  feet  are  mostly  hot;  the  pulse  gradual- 


86  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

ly  grows  quick  and  hard — these  symptoms  are  -soon  fol- 
lowed by  profuse  night  sweats.  In  the  last  stage  of  Con- 
sumption the  countenance  assumes  a  ghastly,  Unnatural 
appearance;  the  voice  becomes  hoarse,  hollow  and  un- 
natural; the  white  part  of  the  eyes  have  a  shiny  or  pearly 
appearance,  while  t-he  eye  itself  beams  with  uncommon 
lustre;  the  nails  are  of  a  purple  color;  there  is  frequent 
purging,  and  great  difficulty  in  breathing,  amounting  at 
times;  almost  to  suffocation.  When  these  last  symptoms 
occur,  the  case  may  be  considered  desperate. 

Obstructions  from  cold  in  some  way  or  other,  is  the 
common  cause  of  Consumptions.  It  is  most  apt  to  attack 
persons  between  the  age  of  twelve  and  thirty;  but  it  some- 
times attacks  persons  at  the  age  of  fifty.  In  youth  when 
a  change  of  voice  takes  place  and  the  lad  enters  the  in- 
cipient stage  of  manhood,  there  is  considerable'  debility 
experienced,  and  not  unfrequently  accompanied  with  a 
short  dry  cough.  This  is  a  critical  period,  and  a  little 
carelessness  or  neglect  may  end  in  an  incurable  attack  of 
Consumption.  Such  persons'as  have  been  raised  tender- 
ly, without  due  exercise  or  fresh  air,  will  be  much  niorc 
liable  to  an  attack  of  tiiis  ever-to-be-dreadcd  disease,  than 
those  who  have  been  accustomed  to  daily  labor  or  exer- 
cise. Damp  air,  damp  beds,  damp  clothes,  is  often  the 
cause  of  Consumption;  it  is  also  caused  by  inflammation 
of  the  lungs,  suppression  of  the  menses  in  females;  tight 
lacing:  diseases  at  the  liver  and  stomach.  It  is  heredita- 
ry and  often  takes  whole  families  as  fast  as  they  approach 
man  or  womanhood. 

Treatment. — The  patient  should  commence  by  taking 
a  tea  spoonful  of  the  mixture  or  syrup  for  Consumption 
night  and  morning;  it  is  made  as  follows: 

Take  a  table  spoonful  of  tar,  the  same  quantity  of honey 
and  the  yolk  of  an  egg,  mix  these  articles  well  together: 
Ike  tar  should  be  a  little  warm,  that  they  may  the  more 
easily  mix.  A  large  quantity  may  be  prepared  observing 
the  same  proportions.  If  the  patient  is  very  weak  and  the 
above  dose  operates  too  severe,  give  a  smaller  portion,  he 
\#io  administers  will  be  best  able  to  determine  as  to  this. 
It' will  be  three  or  four  days  before  this  medicine  gets  into 
full  operation,  and  when  it  is  taking  hold  of  the  disease  to 
advantage,  it  causes  the  patient  to  expectorate  or  spit  up 
jnuco*B>  from  the  lungs  with  great  rapidity;  while  taking 


INDIAN  GUIDE  *F0  HEALTH.  87 

the  above,  the  patient  should  also  take  the  inner  bark  of 
the  yellow  pine,  and  spikenard  root,  of  each  one  pound, 
keep  it  constantly  by  the  fire  that  it  be  warm,  and  use  it 
as  a  constant -drink.  I  have  used  the  chalybeate  pill  night 
and  morning,  in  connexion  with  the  above  remedies*  with 
the  happiest  effects.  Where  the  patient  is  laboring  under 
great  debility  it  is  without  doubt  one  of  the  best  st  imula- 
ting  and  tonic  medicines  in  the  world. 

Diets  should  be  light;  all  kinds  of  rich   and  oily  food 
should  be  avoided;  buttermilk  and  corn  or  rye  mush,  is 
very  good,   as  is  also  rice,   half  cooked   eggs,  and   milk 
drank  warm  from  the  cow  morning  and  evening.     Squir- 
rel or  chicken  may  be  eaten  by  'some,  but  others  cannot 
use  either  without  injury;  the  patient  or  administering 
physician  will  have  to  exercise  some  judgment  on  this 
subject.     Wet  and  damp  of  every  kind  must  be  avoided, 
regular  but  moderate  exercise  taken,  the  mind  should  be 
kept  cheerful;  long  journeys  are  spoken  of  by  some  phy- 
sicians as  being  advantageous,  but  I  cannot  agree  with 
them  in   this  particular.     They  unavoidably  prdduce  ir- 
regular habits  in  eating,  drinking,  sleeping,  using  medi- 
cine and  often  keep  the  mind  in  a  high  state  of  anxiety 
about  things  left  behind,  &c,  all  of  which  produce  injury 
rather  than  benefit.     Regularity  of  habits  is  indispensably 
neces'sary  in  the  cure  of  Consumption,  I  would  therefore 
-advise  persons  afflicted  with  this  disease  to    remain   at 
home  with  their  friends,  for  I  can  assert  that  the  kindness 
of  friends  in  connexion  with  neighborhood  exercise  and 
amusements,  will  greatly  aid  in  restoring  health,  where 
long  journeys  would  only  fatigue  the  patient  and  aid  the 
'  disease  in  wearing  out  and  extinguishing  the  little  re- 
maining spark  of  animal  life* 

Bleeding  in  Consumption  is  a  most  pernicious  practice 
and  the  sooner  it  is  abandoned  the' better  it  will  be  for 
those  who  are  afflicted  with  this  alarming  and  too  often 
fatal  disease.  Yet  it  is  recommended  by  a  majority  of  the 
most  eminent  physicians  of  our  .age.  Dr.  Wright,  how- 
ever, is  an  exception,  he  disapproves  bleeding  in  this  dis- 
ease in  the  strongest  terms.  He  says,  "The  disease  itself 
proceeds  from  debility,  which  produces  obstructed  perspi- 
ration, and  nature  not  being  able  to  relieve  the  lungs  from 
the  matter  thrown  upon  them,  acts  as  an  irritant  aiid  oc- 
casibns'  coughing  and  diarrhse,  and  in  proportion  to  the 


83  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

vital  fluid  you  abstract,  you  impair  the  strength  of  the 
patient,  and  open  a  road  for  the  incursions  of  the  enemy." 
Dr.-  Wright  has  been  more  successful  in  the  treatment  of 
Consumption,  than  any  physician  among  the  whites,  with 
whom  I  have  ever  had  an  acquaintance,  he  in  many  in- 
stances restored  persons  to  health  after  they  had  tried 
such  remedies  as  are  usually  prescribed  for  Consumption, 
and  had  been  given  over  as  incurable,  his  treatment  is  sim- 
ple, and  consists  of  remedies  that  may  be  procured  by  any 
person.  I  give  it  in  full  that  those  who  wish  to  try  it  may 
have  it  in  their  power  to  do  so. 

dr.  weight's  treatment  for  consumption. 

Take  his  chalybeate  pill  night  and  morning,  and  through 
the  day  drink  from  a  pint  to  a  pint  and  a  half  of  Dr. 
Wright's  beer  for  Consumption.  This  course  should  be 
pu  rsued  with  .regularity. 

Diet  should  be  light  and  nourishing,  such  as  butter-milk 
and  rye  mush,  half  done  eggs  and  the  like,  he  also  recom- 
mends new  milk  of  a  morning. 

The  success  of  Dr.  Wright  in  the  treatment  of  this  dis- 
ease, is  acknowledged  by  all  those  who  were  acquainted 
with  his  practice. 


RUPTURE  OR  HERNIA. 

o 

Rupture  or  Hernia  is  an  unnatural  protrusion  of  a  por- 
tion of  the  bowels  or  intestines,  through  the  lacerated 
fibers  or  muscles  of' the  part,  where  the  swelling  occurs. 
It  may  be  produced  in  children  by  excessive  crying,  cough- 
ing, vomiting,  and  it  is  frequently  produced  by  gravel.  In 
people  who  have  passed  the  prime  of  life  and  in  those  who 
are  in  the  full  vigor  of  maturity,  it  commonly  originates 
from  extraordinary  exertion,  such  as  jumping,  fighting, 
wrestling  &c,  or  by  violent  blows  or  injuries  about  the 
abdomen,  that  lacerates  the  muscles  without  lacerating 
the  skin.  , 

Treatment. — On  the  first  appearance  of  an  injury  of 
this  kind  the  protruding  portion  of  the  intestines  should 
be  replaced,  as  there  is  great  danger  of  the  parts  becom- 
ing inflamed  and  so  enlarged  that  it  cannot  be  returned,  in 
which  case  there  is  danger  of  mortification.  For  this  pur- 
pose, place  the  patient  on  his  back,  raising  his  hips  high- 
er than  his  head  by  means  of  pillows  or  .bed  clothes  fold- 
ed up;  by  placing  the  patient  in  this  position,  the  protru- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  89 

» 

tied  part  may  be  replaced  by  a  gentle  pressure  with  the 
fingers,  if  the  parts  be  not  swelled,  the  operation  may  be 
rendered  more  safe  and  easy  by  applying  cloths  rung  out 
of  hot  water  to  the  affected  part  as  warm  as  can  be  borne, 
or  a  decoction  of  catnip  applied  in  the  same  manner  will 
answer  admirably.  If  the  parts  have  become  inflamed 
and  swelled,  you  should  not  attempt  replacing  the  protru- 
ding portion,  until  means  have  been  employed  to  reduce 
the  inflammation,  and  swelling:  to  effect  this  thicken  a 
strong  decoction  of  rattle-root  with  cornmeal  or  flour,  and 
apply  over  the  affected  part,  this  will  give  ease,  take  out 
the  inflammation  and  produce  relaxation,  so  that  the  pro- 
truded portion  of  the  intestines  may  be  returned  by  the 
hand,  by  placing  the  patient  on  his  back  as  above  direct- 
ed; when  this  has  been  accomplished,  apply  over  the  place 
a  plaster  of  red  oak,  which  is  made  by  boiling  the  bark 
until  a  strong  decoction  is  obtained,  then  strain  and  con- 
tinue boiling  it  until  it  is  reduced  to  the  consistence  of 
thick  molasses.  A  truss  must  be  worn  to  keep  the  parts 
to  their  proper  place,  the  truss  should  be  confined  by 
means  of  a  broad  bandage,  which  should  extend  around 
the  patient  and  be  kept  moderately  tight,  it  should  be 
worn  a  sufficient  length  of  time  for  the  parts  to  regain 
their  strength. 


»-ol 


RHEUMATISM— (Tsi-tah-nah-ler-la-skah.) 

This  very  painful  disease,  in  which  the  poor  sufferer 
drags  out  a  miserable  and  wretched  existence,  is  quite  fre- 
quent in  the  western  country.  It  is  brought  on  by  expo- 
sure to  cold  and  wet,  by  remaining  too  long  on  the  damp 
grounds,  by  sleeping  in  damp  places  or  by  sleeping  in  a 
free  current  of  air  at  night,  by  exposure  to  dews,  by  chang- 
ing a  warm  dress  for  a  thin  one,  by  being  greatly  heated 
and  becoming  suddenly  cool.  This  complaint  may  occur 
at  any  season  of  the  year  when  there  are  sudden  changes 
from  heat  to  cold  or  from  wet  to  dry.  Persons  of  all  ages 
are  liable  to  its  attacks,  but  adults  and  those  advanced  in 
life,  and  those  whose  employments  subject  them  to  sud- 
den transitions  from  heat  to  cold  are  most  liable  to  its  at- 
tacks. This  disease  is  distinguished  into  two  kinds,  as  a- 
cute,  or  inflammatory,  and  chronic;  when  both  fever  and 
inflammation  accompany  the  pain,  it  is  called  acute  or  in- 
flammatory Rheumatism,  and  when  little  or  no  fever  and 


90  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

inflammation  attend  the  pain,  it  is  called  chronic  Rheuma- 
tism. There  is  also  a  disease  called  by  physicians  Rheu- 
matic Mercuriatis,  which  means  Rheumatism  produced 
by  the  improper  use  of  mercury,  that  is,  by  permitting  the 
mercury  to  remain  in  the  system  without  giving  the  prop- 
er remedies  to  carry  it  off,  which  is  flour  of  sulpher  and  a 
free  use  of  diaphoretic  teas.  Flour  of  sulpher  is  nothing 
more  'than  brimstone  purified  and  pounded  to  a  fine  flour, 
it  is  a  true  and  certain  antidote  against  mercury. 

Symptoms. — An  attack  of  acute  or  inflammatory  Rheu- 
matism usually  commences  with  chills,  succeeded  by  heat, 
thirst,  restlessness,  anxiety,  a  hard,  full,  quick  pulse,  and 
other  symptoms  of  inflammatory  fever.  Next  an  acute 
pain  is  felt  by  the  patient  in  one  or  more  of  the  large  joints, 
followed  by  a  tension  and  swelling  of  the  affected  parts. 
The  pain  often  shifts  from  one  joint  to  another,  leaving 
the  part  previously  occupied  red,  swollen  and  very  tender; 
the  tongue  in  niost  instances  white;  the  bowels  costive, 
and  the  urine  high  colored. 

Chronic  Rheumatism  may  either  be  a  consequence  of 
the  termination  of  the  inflammatory,  or  it  may  arise  inde- 
pendent of  it.  When  inflammatory  Rheumatism  termi- 
nates in  the  chronic,  the  parts,  which  were  affected  with 
inflammation,  are  left  rigid,  weak,  and  in  some  instances, 
puffed,  and  the  pain  being  no  longer  moveable,  is  confined 
to  the  same  parts;  some  instances,  however,  occur  in 
which  it  shifts  from  one  joint  to  another,  but  it  is  unaccom- 
panied with  inflammation  or  fever. 

INFLAMMATORY  RHEUMATISM. 
Treatment. — Give  fitters  composed  of  a  half  pound  of 
prie  !•:>;-•  ;::li  bark  of  the  root,  one-fourth  pound  of  rattle- 
root,  and  two  ounces  of  blue-root,  digest  the  whole  in  one 
gallon  of  whiskey-  -of  this  the  patient  should  drink  freely 
three  times  a  day,;  or  what  the  stomach  will  bear.  The 
affected  joints  must  be  regularly  anointed  with  the  rheu- 
matic ointment — see  Dispensatory. 

.  The  bowels  should  be  cleansed  and  regulated  by  the  use 
%f  anti-bilious  pills. 

CHRONIC   RHEUMATISM. 
Treatment. — In  this  disease  give  bitters  of  rattle-weed 
root,  p^ckly-ash  bark  of  the  root,  and  prickly-sumack  bark 
of  the  root  an  equal  quantity  ef  each,  digest  them  ih  wins- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  91 

key,  and  take  what  the  stomach  will  bear  three  times  a 
day;  anoint  the  affected  part  with  the  rheumatic  oint- 
ment— see  Dispensatory. 

The  bowels  should  be  cleansed  and  regulated  by  the  use 
of  antibilious  pills  or  some  other  cathartic.  In  all  cases 
of  Rheumatism  the  patient  should  carefully  avoid  sudden 
changes  from  heat  to'  cold  from  dry  to  wet  or  damp,  night 
air,  violent  exercise, -sudden  check  of  perspiration  and  ex- 
posure of  any  kind.  Regular  but  moderate  exercise  should 
be  taken,  and  the  above  treatment  strictly  attended  to. 

Diets  should  be  light  and  nourishing,  and  such  as  best  a- 
gree  with  the  patient. 

I  have  witnessed7 with  surprise  and  pleasure  the  result 
of  Turk's  mode  of  treatment  for  Rheumatism,  and  as  it  is 
a  remedy  which  is  in  the  reach  of  every  farmer,  or  inhabi- 
.  tant  of  the  western  as  well  as  other  States,  and  that  cau 
be  prepared  and  used  with  safety  by  any  person  who  pos- 
sesses five  grains  of  common  sense,  I  think  it  probable  that 
by  giving  it  a  place  in  this  wotk  it  may  enable  some  fel- 
low being  to  relieve  him  or  herself  of  this  most  painful  dis- 
ease, who  would  otherwise  drag  out  their  lives  in  misery 
and  wretchedness.  I  have  never  applied  his  remedy  my- 
self, but  know  the  ingredients  to  be  excellent  in  this  com- 
plaint. 

turk's  treatment  for  rheumatism. 

''Take  one  half  bushel  of  well  washed  Poik-root — this; 
root  is  best  when  dug  in  the  winter  and  in  the  dark  of  the 
moon—extract  the  strength  by  boiling  it  in  clear  water, 
when. you  put  the' polk  root  in  to  boil,  put  in  five  or  six 
pods  of  red  pepper,  when  the  strength  is  extracted,  strain 
the  decoction,  and  continue  boiling  it  until  it  becomes  ve- 
ry stron;:,  (hen  add  a  quart  of  oil,  and  continue  boiling  or 
simmering  until  the-water  is  entirely  gone.  The  strength 
of  the  pepper  and  polk  root  will  remain  in  the  oil  after  the 
water  is  extracted.  When  this  oil  (becomes  cool,  but 
while  it  will  still  run,  it  should  be  put  in  stone  vessels,  as 
it  will  eat  tin  up,)  it  should  be  kept  closely  covered,  or  it 
vfill  mould.  1  have  used  several  kinds  of  oil;  the  fish,  eel. 
catfish,  beef  leg  oil,  the  oil  of  the  Guinea  pig,  and  the  oil 
of  the' fat  cut  dogs,  and  have' been  successful  with  all,  but 
the  oil  of  the  fish,  Guinea  pig  and  dog,  I  prefer.  ;It  will 
cure  when  fresh&ut  1  think  itegets  better  as  it  gets  elder. — 


92  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

The  oil  of  which  it  is  made  must  be  pure  and  in  no  case 
rancid. 

Mode  of  application. — As  this  disease  attacks  the  joint? 
only,  this  medicine  should  be  rubbed  all  around  the  affec- 
ed  joints  and  well  bathed  in  by  warming  the  hand  fre- 
quently and  rubbing  the  joint:  a  warm  fire  shovel  will  an- 
swer. If  the  disease  is  in  the  hip  joint,  apply  the  ointment 
to  the  whole  back  bone  and  around  the  hips.  This  oint- 
ment should  be  applied  in  the  above  manner,  twice  a  day 
for  five  days,  and  then  once  a  day  for  five  days  more,  and 
if  the  cure  is  performed  quit,  but  if  the  pain  should  return 
in  the  slightest  degree,  again  apply  the  ointment.  Where 
there  is  much  swelling  1  use  the  bandage  after  putting  on 
the  ointment,  if  the  swelling  is  in  a  place  that  can  be  ban- 
daged. 

The  system  must  be  put  in  good  order,  and  kept  so,  that 
the  medicine  may  have  a  fair  chance,  as  it  has  a  powerful 
enemy  to  contend  with.  I  have  met  with  cases  in  which 
I  had  to  prepare  the  system  for  a  few  days  before  I  used 
the  ointment.  In  the  inflammatory  Rheumatism,  I  bleed 
freely,  and  in  the  chronic  kind  I  bathe  in  warm  water,  and 
before  putting  on  the  ointment  wash  off  well  and  let  the 
parts  dry  well,  as  oil  and  water  do  not  go  well  together. 
The  quantity  of  oil  will  be  best  known  by  its  going  in.  If 
several  joints  should  be  affected,  put  the  oil  on  one  in 
part,  after  the  other,  then  repeat;  a  soreness  will  take 
place,  this  is  caused  by  the  rubbing,  and  no  danger  in  it. 
I  have  seen  some  cases  that  seemed  to  get  well  in  a  few 
days,  and  then  get  worse;  this  is  the  time  that  nature  is, 
with  the  aid  of  the  medicine,  lighting  for  power,  and  the 
result  always  turns  out  a  cure.  Do  not  stop  using  the 
medicine  at  this  time,  regardless  of  the  number  of  days. 
The  bark  of  burdock  root,  and  sarsaparilla,  an  equal  quan- 
tity of  each  filled  in  a  bottle,  and  good  spirits  poured  over 
it,  must  be  drank  freely  three  times  a  day,  perhaps  it  might 
answer  to  put  the  roots  into  water,  but  1  have  never  cured 
a  case  without  the  spirits." 


JAUNDICE. — (Foh-lo-ne-ga-tse-nah-noh-stce.) 

Symptoms. — This  disease  is  characterized  by  yellowness 
of  the  skin,  and  whites  of  the  eyes;  the  urine  is  high  color- 
ed and  leaves  a  yellow  sediment  in  the  vessel  after  stand- 
ing awhile;  the  stools  are  clay-colored;  a  dull,  heavy,  Ian- 


INDIAN   GUIDE  TO  HEALTH-  93 

guid  feeling  prevails,  attended  with  costiveness;  the  pulse 
is  sometimes  strong  and  full,  at  other  times  weak  and  fee- 
ble; chillness  for  a  time,  succeeded  by  flushes  of  heat;  a 
bitter  taste  in  the  mouth,  nausea  and  sometimes  vomiting; 
a  restless,  uneasy  sensation  is  experienced  throughout  the 
sj^stem. 

Causes. — This  disease  is  always  caused  by  some  de- 
rangement of  the  Liver  and  the  parts  connected  with  it. 
It  may  be  caused  by  anything  that  obstructs  the  passage 
of  the  bile  through  its  natural  channel;  a  sudden  stoppage 
of  the  menses  in  females,  or  the  discharge  in  clap.  Indul- 
gence of  anxious  thoughts,  or  of  any  depressing  passions, 
the  excessive  use  of  ardent  spirits,  a  sedentary  life,  &c. — 
When  Jaundice  is  produced  by  biliary  obstructions,  caused 
by  gall-stones  lodged  in  the  biliary  ducts,  acute  pains  will 
be  felt  in  that  region,  which  will  be  increased  by  eating. 
The  pain  produced  by  the  passage  of  a  stone  along  the 
biliary  ducts,  may  be  distinguished  from  the  pain  produced 
by  inflammation  of  the  liver,  by  the  acuteness  of  the 
former.  This  complaint  sometimes  originates  from  in- 
flammation or  scirrosity  of  the  liver  or  spleen.  When  it 
originates  from  the  last  named  causes,  and  is  suffered  to 
run  on  for  a  length  of  time  without  medical  aid,  it  is  sel- 
dom cured.  In  the  last  stages  of  this  complaint  the  skin 
is  often  marked  with  black  spots  or  streaks.  In  some  in- 
stances from  fifty  to  a  hundred  and  even  more  of  these 
gall-stones  have  been  taken  from  a  dead  subject  on  dis- 
section, and  the  gall-bladder  found  greatly  distended. 

Treatment.— The  first  object  should  be  to  cleanse  the 
stomach  and  bowels.  For  this  purpose  give  an  emetic  of 
American  ipecacuanha,  or  Indian  physic,  to  either  of  which 
may  be  added  gulver-root  if  prepared — from  one  to  two 
tea-spoonfuls  of  the  powdered  root  is  a  dose — if  the  gulvrr 
be  added,  give  about  that  quantity  when  combined. — 
Give  injections  of  gruel  with  a  little  table-salt,  and  hogs 
lard  in  it  if  the  bowels  be  hard  to  move.  After  the  emetic 
has  operated  by  gentle  vomiting,  give  gruel,  which  will 
determine  it  to  the  bowels.  After  the  alimentary  canal 
has  been  cleansed  in  the  above  manner,  a  strong  decoc- 
tion of  wild  cherry-tree  bark  should  be  drank  freely.  To 
relieve  the  pain  in  the  side  which  usually  attends  this 
disease,  rub  the  side  with  the  essence  of  red  pepper;  a];*} 
give  the  hepatic  pill  night  and  morning,  two  for  a  dose. 


/ 


94  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

Diets  should  be  light  and  nourishing,  a  raw  egg  should  - 
be  taken  every  morning  on  a  fasting  stomach.  Some  per- 
sons when  directed  to  take  a  raw  egg,,  will  beat  it  well  in  a 
saucer  or  other  vessel,  and  mix  it  with  sugar  or  spirits  or 
both,  this  in  some  degrees-cooks  the  egg  and  destroys  its 
medical  virtues — it  should  be  taken  from  the  shell  and 
swallowed  in  its  natural  state.  Fruits,  light  bread,  sour 
milk  and  mush,  whey,  &c.,  will  be  suitable  diets  in  this 
disease.  Gentle  but  free  exercise  should  be  taken,  this 
will  have  a  tendency  to  open  the  pores  and  restore  health, 
and  as  Jaundice  produces  great  depression  of  spirits,  every 
possible  means  should  be  used  in  exercise,  amusements, 
company,  &c,  to  secure  tranquility  and  cheerfulness  of 
mind. 


FALLING  OF  THE  PALATE. 

The  elongation  or  falling  of  the  palate,  is  attended  with 
a  tickling  in  the  fauces  and  soreness  at  the  root  of  the 
tongue.     It  generally  proceeds  from  a  foul  stomach. 

Treatment.— .Gargle  the  throat  frequently  with  some 
astringent  tonic  article,  such  as  a  strong  oose  of  oak,  per- 
simon,  blackberry  brier  root,  &c,  the  gargle  should  be 
sweetened  with  honey;  avoid  speaking  as  much  as  possible- 
If  this  should  not  give  relief,  give  an  emetic.  Alum  water 
forms  an  excellent  gargle.,  Dr.  Ewel  and  Dr.  Wright  re- 
commend the  application  of  pepper  and  salt  to  the  elonga- 
ted Palate  by  means  of  a-spoon-handle.  I  have  seen  the 
Palate  restored  to  its  proper  place  by  tying  a  lock  of  hair 
on  the  top  of  the  head  so  as  to  draw  the  skin  tight. 


POISONS.— (Go-shoh-aog-tcc.) 

Poisons  are  of  three  kinds,  as  animal,  mineral,  and  veg- 
etable. 

Animal  poisons  are  such  as  aie  communicated  by  the 
bite:s  of  poisonous  reptiles  or  the  stings  of  poisonous  insects. 

The  principal  mineral  poisons  are  the  different  prepara- 
tions of  arsenic,  murcuiy,  copper,  zinc,  antimony,  lead, 
tin,  &e. 

The  chief  vegetable  poisons  are,  henbane,  night-shade, 
sicular  or  hemloc,  fox-glove,  wolf's  bane,  laurel,  opium, 
Jamestown  weed,  mush-rooms,  and  black  sarsaparilla. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  95 

ANIMAL  POISONS  or  SNAKE  BITE. 
{Errnah-tuh-oo-ne-shah-low-tsuh.) 

When  an  individual  is  bitten  by  a  poisonous  serpen^  if 
i%  be  on  any  of  the  extremities,  immediately  tie  a  bandage 
or  ligature  around  the  limb,  between  the  wound  andfthe 
body,  this  will  greatly  retard  the  passage  into  the  system! 
Give  the  patient  a  large  dose  of  the  saturated  tincture  of 
lobelia,  if  it  can  be  had,  if  it  cannot  be  immediately  pro- 
cured, bruize  the  lobelia  herb,  put  it  in  whiskey  and  ad- 
minister it  freely,  until  copious  vomiting  is  produced.  If 
neither  of  the  above  articles  can  be  had  give  some  other 
emetic,  but  lobelia  is  far  preferable  to  any  other  in  my 
knowledge.  When  the  emetic  is  done  aperating.  give  an 
infusion  of  the  root  of  rattle-snake's  master.  This  infusion 
or  tea  should  be  drank  freely,  as  it  is  entirely  harmless  in 
its  operations  on  the  system.  For  an  external  application 
to  the  wound,  use  the  bruized  root  of  the  rattle-snake's 
master.  This  treatment  will  cure  the  bite  of  the  copper- 
head or  rattle-snake,  or  any  other  poisonous  reptile. 

Another  mods  of  Treatment.— Apply  the  ligature  or 
bandage  and  administer  the  emetic  as  above  directed,  and 
after  the  operation  of  the  emetic,  give  a  tea  of  piny-weed 
root  freely.  For  an  external  application  to  the  wound 
make  a  plaster  to  the  wound  of  equal.quantities  of  salt' 
tobacco,  indigo  and  hogs-lard;  pulverize  the  tobacco  indi- 
go and  salt,  then  mix  all  the  articles  together  and  applv  it 
in  form  of  poultice.  A  free  use  of  spirits,  such  as  whiskey 
brandy,  &c,  will  be  found  of  great  benefit  in  all  cases  of 
bites  or  stings.  I  have  ascertained  from  personal  obser- 
vation that  a  person  when  intoxicated,  cannot  be  poison- 
ed by  the  bite  of  a  snuke.  Many  lives  have  been  saved 
among  thejndians,  by  the  frse  use  of  whiskey  and  red- 
pepper;  indeed,  I  believe,  that  whiskey  alone  will  save  life 
in  many  instances,  when  the  aite  would  prove  fatal  if  an 
active  remedy  was  not  resorted  to  immediately.  The 
quantity  of  spirits  taken  need  not  give  the  least  alarm  for 
I  believe  it  to  be  impossible  to  give  enough  to  do  an  inju- 
ry. Fae  pulse  should  be  frequently  examined,  and  when- 
ever it  begins  to  sink  or  grow' feeble  and  fluttering  the 
slants  should  be  immediately  resorted  to.until  the  pulse  is 
raised.  ' 

There  are  many  herbs  which,  may  be  used  to  advantage 
m  snake  bits,  such  as  striped  Mood-wort;  when.this  herb 


96  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

is  used,  apply  the  bruised  leaves  to  the  wound,  at  the  same 
time  taking-  the  expressed  juice  internally  in  table-spoon- 
ful doses  repeated  every  few  minutes. 

Indian  Sanide. — When  this  is  to  be  used,  make  a  decoc- 
tion of  the  root  and  give  it  in  doses  of  half  gill  every  half 
hour,  and  at  the  same  time  apply  the  bruised  leaves  to 
the  wound. 

Mountain  Ditany. — Of  this  apply  the  bruised  herb  to 
the  wound  and  drink  freely  of  the  tea. 

Common  Green  Plantain.' — Bruise  the  herb  and  root  and 
apply  it  to  the  wound,  and  at  the  same  time  take  the  ex- 
pressed juice  or  tea  freely.  There  are  many  other  herbs 
that  are  good  for  snake  bite,  as  may  be  seen  under  their 
different  heads.  I  have  known  the  bite  of  the  copper-head 
cured  in  the  following  manner:  Immediately  apply  to 
the  wound,  tobacco,  which  has  been  perfectly  wet  in  vine- 
gar, and  as  soon  as  it  can  be  prepared  give  a  strong  decoc- 
tion of  the  yellow-poplar  root  bark,  and  bathe  the  wound 
frequently  with  the  same.  When  the  bite  or  wound  enters 
a  large  vein,  the  only  chance  to  save  life  is  to  keep  the 
stomach  in  motion  by  the  use  of  emetics,  and  the  pulse 
from  sinking,  b)-  the  use  of  whiskey  or  spirits  of  some  kind, 
at  the  same  time  using  external  applications  to  the  wound 
to  kill  or  extract  the  poison. 


STING  OF  INSECTS. 

The  sting  of  insects  will  seldom  need  any  thing  more 
than  to  wash  the  wound  with  the  tincture  of  lobelia,  or 
to  apply  the  bruised  leaves  to  the  wound.  Tobacco  wet 
with  vinegar,  is  an  excellent  application,  or  any  of  the  ar- 
ticles recommended  for  snake-bite  will  answer.  By  ap- 
plying to  some  of  those  simple  means,  persons  may  relieve 
themselves  of  severe  pain,  and  sometimes  sickness.  The 
sting  of  many  insects  that  are  not  dangerous,  often  produce 
great  pain  and  disagreeable  swellings.  Spider  bites  of 
poisonous  appearance,  should  be  treated   as  snake  bites. 


VEGETABLE  POISONS. 
The  symptoms  which  follow  eating  or  swallowing  veg- 
etable poisons,  are  loss  of  memory,  confusion,  vertigo,  (gid- 
diness of  the  head.)  wildness  of  the  eyes,  stupor,  nausea, 
vomiting,  distention  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  costive- 
ness,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  convulsions. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  97 

Treatment. — Give  an  emetic  of  Indian  physic  and  lo- 
belia, in  tincture,  these  articles  may  be  used  either  alone 
or  combined.  The  spirits  will  stimulate  the  stomach,  and 
render  the  operation  of  the  emetic  more  certain.  After 
copious  vomiting  has  been  produced,  take  common  garden 
rue,  and  fry  it  in  hogs  lard,  and  give  the  oil  or  lard  to  the 
patient  in  table-spoonful  doses  until  the  poison  is  destroy- 
ed. Sweet  oil  is  also  very  good.  You  should  give  injec- 
tions of  new  milk,  with  hogs  lard  or  sweet  oil  in  it,  until 
the  bowels  are  well  cleansed. 


MINERAL  POISONS. 
Symptoms. — Mineral  poisons,  when  taken  into  the  stom- 
ach in  too  large  quantities,  soon  produces  a  burning  prick- 
ling sensation  in  that  part:  great  pain  is  experienced  in 
the  bowels,  accompanied  with  violent  puking,  and  thirst 
which  cannot,  be  satisfied.  It  is  also  attended  with  dry- 
ness and  roughness  in  the  mouth  and  throat  as  if  you  had 
swallowed  alum;  great  restlessness  and  anxiety.  At  this 
stage,  unless  speedy  relief  is  obtained,  inflammation  will 
take  place,  and  soon  terminate  in  mortification,  and  death 
will  close  the  painful  scene.  If  the  dose  of  poison  taken 
should  not  be  large  enough  to  destroy  life,  a  fever  will  en- 
sue, which  will  last  for  some  time,  attended  with  a  con- 
stant trembling  of  the  nerves. 

Treatment. — Give  an  emetic  of  American  ipecacuanha, 
Indian  physic,  or  lobelia^  or  these  articles  combined:  aid 
the  operation  of  the  emetic  in  every  possible  manner.- — 
This  may  be  done  by  applying  tobacco  leaves  steeped  in 
warm  vinegar  to  the  stomach.  The  patient  should  also 
take  the  whites  of  twelve  or  fifteen  raw  eggs,  beat  well 
and  put  into  cold  wafer.  A  gill  of  this  should  be  taken 
every  few  minutes;  this  will  greatly  facilitate  the  opera- 
tion of  the  emetic.  After  the  stomach  is  thought  to  be 
measurably  relieved  of  its  poisonous  contents,  give  hogs 
lard  or  sweet  oil,  in  which  has  been  stewed  common  gar- 
den rue;  also  give  injections  of  the  same  in  sweet  milk. — 
Several  writers  of  the  old  school  recommend  a  puke  of 
white  vitriol.  I  have  tried  this  also,  and  it  had  the  desired 
effect. 

When  there  are  symptoms  of  inflammation  of  the  stom- 
ach or  bowels,  refer  to  those  heads  for  a  remedy. 

F 


98  INDIAN  GUID^  TO  HEALTH. 

POISONS  OF  THE  SKIN. 

Poisons  of  the  skin,  such  as  are  often  received  front 
poison  oak,  poison  vine,  &c,  are  very  painful,  and  in  some 
instances  produce  fever.  These  may  be  easily  relieved 
])}r  annointing  the  poisoned  parts  with  night  shade  and 
cream.  This  herb  should  be  bruised,  and  cream  enough 
added  to  make  an  ointment.  It  may  also  be  relieved  by 
annointing  the  parts  with  equal  quantities  of  cedar  oil 
and  ho°:s  lard  or  fresh  butter. 


M  I  L  K    SIC  K. 

(Oo-m>ih-ty-tsu-ni-tlah-e-stee.) 

In  many  parts  of  the  Western  country,   the  inhabitants 
are  subject  to  this  dreadful  and  often  fatal  malady.     Some 
suppose  that  the  poison  is  imparted  to  the  milk  by  some 
poisonous  vegetable,    which   was  eaten    by  the  cattle. — 
Others  contend,  that,  it  is  occasioned  by  the  vapors  which 
arise  from  poisonous  minerals   in  the  earth  and  settle  on 
the  vegetables  eaten  by  the  cattle.     This   last  opinion   is 
strongly    and   ably    advocated    by  Dr.    Shelton,    which  I     f  ; 
will  give  in  his  own  words,  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  rea- 
der.    He  Says,  "This  malady  is  caused  by  the  vapors  which 
arise  from  poisonous  minerals  in  the  earth,  and  settle    on 
the  grass  and  other  vegetables  that  the  cattle  eat.     This 
fact  is  clearly  proven  by  many  circumstances.     First,  by 
the  very  appearance  of  the  water,  and  the  rocks,  particu- 
larly in  the  lower  parts  of  Indiana,  and  other  sections    of 
country,  where    it   is  very   prevalent.     Second,  the    very 
dogs  are  affected  with  it.  from  using  the  water.     Third,  it 
seldom  makes  it  attack  till  in  the  summer  ar  fall,  after  the 
waters  are  very  low,  at  which    time  we    know   that  they 
contain  the  greatest  proportion  of  mineral  or  other  impure 
substances;  also,  the  vegetable  substances  at  this  lime    be- 
come tough,  and  contain  much  less  juice  in   proportion  to 
the  vapour  which,  settles  on  their.     Fourth,  if  it  had  been 
a  vegetable  which  prduced  [he  milk-sick,  it  would   have 
been  frand  long   ago:  for,   to  my  own    knowledge  it.  has 
been  diligently  searched  for  in  many  places,  by  numerous 
people  and  not  found.     Fifth,  the  scope  of  land   on  which 
ix  is  taken  by  the  cattle,  has  frequently   been  ascertained 
to  be  very  small,  and  by  inclosing   it  so    that   they  could 
r.ot  get  in,  the  malady  was  prevented.     In  this  case,  if  it 
had  been,  a  vegetable  of  an^r  kind,,  its   growth  certainly 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  99 

\could  have  extended 'over  the  inclosure  in  thirty  or  fortv 
years;  for,  I  am  acquainted  with  a  place  in  'East  Tennes- 
see of  nearly  that  age.  A  sixth  proof  is,  that  you  may  let 
the  place  remain  unenclosed,  and  the  cattle^  will  always 
be  liable  to  the  complaint,  as  long  as  there  sis  vegetable 
matter  enough  of  any  kind  to  induce  them  to  feed  on  it." —  ■ 
Both  people  and  cattle  may  have  the  poison-  in  them  for 
weeks  and  even  months,  before  thev  show  it;  but  whenev- 
er  they  a»e  overheated  it  makes  an  attack,  except  on  cows 
which  give  milk;  t.he}^  seldom  die  with  it,  or  suffer  much 
from  its  effects,  the  poison  being  carried  offin  the  milk. — 
People  take  it  from  using  the  milk  of  cows  which  are  af- 
fected wiih  it. 

Symptoms. — When  the  attack  comes  on.  the  patient  ex- 
periences a  sense  of  lassitude,  great  exhaustion  and  trem- 
bling, from  slight  exertion.  Vertigo  or  diziness  in  the 
head,  accompanied  with  immoderate  thirst,  burning  at  the 
stomach,  vomitings  and  in  most  instances,  obstinate  cos- 
liveness.  In  all  cases  the  breath  ha,s  a  peculiar  smell,  by 
"which  it  can  be  distinguished  from  any  other  poison.  If 
the  attack  should: noisome  on  for  some  time  after  the 
poison  has  been  taken,  the  vomiting  is  not  apt  to  be  so 
sudden  as  it  is  in  cases  where  the  poison  lays  immediate 
bold  on  the  S3rstem 

Treatment. — The  first  object  should  he  to  rid  the  stom- 
ach of  its  contents:  for  this  purpose,  give  an  emetic  of  the 
tincture  of  American  Ipecac,  or  Indian  Physic,  in  table 
spoonful  doses  every  few  minutes,  until  copious  vomiting 
is  produced.  The  bowels  should  he  relieved  of  their  con- 
tents by  injections,  such  as*veak  soapsuds,  in  which  has 
been  put  hogs  "lard  or  castor  oil,  or  thin  gruel  will  answer. 
The  ipecac  should  be  continued  until  the  patient  is  relie- 
ved. The  vomiting  will  generally  step  when  the  stomach 
is  thoroughly  cleansed  of  its  poisonous  contents,  and  the 
tincture  determine  to  the  bowels:  but  if  this  should  not  be 
the  case,  give  a  li tvle  gruel;  this  will  aid  in  tranqujlizing 
the  sfomacb,  and  determining  the  tincture  to  the  bowels. 
As  soon  as  the  stomach  has  become  sufficiently  composed, 
give  a  mixture  of  equal  quantities  of  castor  oil  and  spiriis 
of* turpentine,  in  table-spoonful  doses  every  twelve  hours. 
Also  give  sweating  teas,  to  which  may  be  added  a  little 
sulphur.  This  course  should  be  pursued  until  the  health 
is. restored,  wkich  will  generally  b&  in  a  very  short  time 


100  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

when  compared  with  the  time  required  by  the  whites  to 
affect  a  cure  in  this  disease. 


SCURVY. — (Tah-ne-no-loh-quh-tsi-tuh-ne-youh-Uo.) 

This  disease  is  frequently  of  a  highly  putrid  nature  and 
generally  afflicts  persons  who  have  been  long  confined, 
without  due  exercise.  Those  who  have  lived  a  conside- 
rable time  on  salted  provisions,  or  .unsound  and  tainted 
animal  food,  or  those  who  have  been  unable  to  obtain  veg- 
etable food  for  a  considerable  time.  Bad  water,  cold  moist 
air,  and  the  influence  of  depressing  passions,  such  as  grief, 
fear,  &c,  have  a  tendency  to  produce  this  disease.  Neg- 
lectof  personal  cleanliness  and  debilitating  menstrual  dis- 
charges will  produce  scurvy  in  some  instances. 

Symptoms. — Scurvy  may  always  be  known  by  the  soft- 
ness and  spungynessof  the  gums,  which  will  always  bleed 
from  the  slightest  touch.  Ulcers  next  form  around  the 
teeth,  and  generally  eat  away  the  lower  edges  of  the  gums, 
which  occasions  the  teeth  to  become  loose  and  sometimes 
to  fall  out.  The  face  becomes  a  pale  yellow  color  and 
sometimes  bloated.  The  breath  has  an  offensive  smelL 
In  severe  forms  of  this  disease,  the  above  symptoms  be- 
come greatly  aggravated;  the. heart  palpitates  or  beats 
rapidly  on  the  slightest  exertion;  the  feet  and  legs  swelL 
and  ulcers  break  out  en  different  parts  of  the  hodj,  but 
most  frequently  on  the  feet  and  legs;  the  urine  is  high 
colored;  the  stools  have  a  very  disagreeable  smell;  pains 
are  felt  over  the  whole  body;  as  the  disease  advance^ 
blood  issues  from  the  nose,  lungs,  stomach,  intestines  and 
uterus — faintings  and  sometimes  mortifications  follow. — 
The  appetite  remains  good  io  the  last,  and  in  many  in- 
stances there  is  a  perfect  reteusion  of  the  memory  until 
death  puts  a  period  to  the  scene  of  suffering. 

Tf.eatmekt. — It  will  be  extremely  difficult  to  effect  a 
cure  in  this  distressing  complaint  without  the  strictest  at- 
test ion  to  the  diet  of  the  patient.  AH  salted  animal  food 
must  be  scrupulously  avoided.  If  animal  food  is  taken  at 
all,  it  must  be  eaten  when  fresh,  but  the  patient  must 
live  chiefly  en  vegetable;:;  such  as  scurvy  grass,  water 
cresses,  garlic,  mustard,  horse  radish,  lettuce,  &c.  maybe 
oaten  raw.  Cabbage,  turnips,  parsnips,  beets,  carrots, 
&c,  may  be  eaten  when  prepared  in  the  common  man- 
ner.    The  patient's  drink  should  be  vinegar  and.  water 


INDIAN  GUIDE, TO  HEALTH.  101 

sweetened  with  sugar;  sour  butter-milk,  lemon  juice  and 
water;  sour  krout  is  an  excellent  diet  for  those  afflicted 
with  Scurvy.     In  the  early  stages  of  this  disease,  and  in 
mild  attacks,   it  may  generally  be  cured  by  drinking  a 
tea  of  agrimony,  narrow-dock  root,  sour-dock  top  or  root, 
or  bur-doc  root.     The  gums  and  mouth  should  be  rubbed 
with  the  ashes  of  red  corn-cobs  twice  or  three  times  a 
day;  where  the  gums  arc  fetid  and  ulcerated,  charcoal 
finely  pulverized,  should  be  mixed  with  the  cob  ashes — 
A  dose  of  the  charcoal  may  be   taken  once  a  day  ii'  the 
breath  smells   disagreeable.     The  bowels  must   be  kept 
open  by  the  use  of  cream  of  tartar,  and  occasional  char- 
coal.    If  the  body  is  affected,  the  warm  or  tepid  bath,  to 
which  add  a  considerable  quantity  of  vinega^  should  be 
frequently  used.     Red  oak  oose,  with  a  little  alum  in  it  is 
a  very  good  wash  for  the  mouth  or  the  ulcres  on  other 
parts.     Where  there  is  great  debility,  good  wine  will  be 
of  service;  the  free  use  of  bitter  tonics,  will  also  be  found 
very  good.     The  patient  should  not   neglect  to  take  free 
but  gentle  exercise  in  the  open  air  when  the  weather  is 
dry  and  pleasant;  but  wet  and  damp  weather  should  be 
avoided.     By  attending  to  the  above  directions,  the  dis- 
ease will  be  speedily  overcome  and  health  restored. 


DEAFNESS.— [TsUoo-ni-kah-no-gah.'] 

When  this  complaint  is  caused  by  original  defect  in  the 
structure  of  the  ear,  it  is  incurable.  Bat  it  is  sometimes 
occasioned  by  colds,  affecting  the  head  by  inflammation 
or  bearing  in  the  membrane  of  the  ear,  and  not  unirequent- 
ly  by  the  Avax  becoming  hard  in  the  ear. 

Treatment. — When  deafness  is  occasioned  by  a  cold  or 
inflammation  of  the  ear;  take  such  articles  as  are  reccom- 
meudedfor  cold,  and  steam  the  ear  over  bitter  herbs;  this, 
may  be  done  by  putting  the  herbs  in  a  coffee  pot,  boiling, 
them,  and  placing  the  ear  near  the  spout:  also  drop  sweet 
or  British  oil  in  the  ear.  When  it  is  occasioned  by  hard 
wax,  or  bytierangement  in  the  auditory  nerve,  drop  a  few 
drops  of  the  tincture  of  Indian  hemlock  in  the  ear,  once  or 
twice  a  day,  and  about  twice  a  day  drop  British  oil  in  the. 
ear,  about  two  drops  at  a  time.  The  smoke  of  tobacco 
blown  forcibly  in  the  ear,  through  a  quill  or  pipe  stem, 
will  often  remove  deafness  immediately. 


302  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH 

EAR  ACHE.— (Tsu-ne-le-Squash-te.) 

This  complaint  though  painful,  often  passes  off  of  itself 

-  with  but  very  little  inconvenience,  without  resort  to  medi- 
>cal  aid.  It  often  proceeds  from  colds,  inflammation  of 
the  internal  membrane  of  the  ear,  and  from  insects  get- 
ting in  the  ear.  This  complaint  has,  in  some  few  instan- 
ces, produced  delirium  and  convulsions;  when  supuration 
takes  place,   it  not   unfrequeutly  injures  or  destroys  the 

>■  hearing. 

Treatment. — Lard  in  which  onions  have  been  fried, 
wiil  often  give  relief,  by  dropping  a  drop  or  two  in  the  ear, 
and  putting  a  little  woo!  greased  with  the  same  in  the 
ear,  to  exclude  the  atmosphere  Of  air.  If  the  patient  has 
a  cold,  he  should  drink  freely  of  Some  sweating  teas,  in  or- 

?  der  to  relieve  his  cold,  by  promoting  a  free  perspiration 
or  sweat.  In  severe  cases,  drop  a  few  drops  of  the  Hem- 
lock tincture  in  the  ear, Or  about  two  drops  of  the  decoc- 
tion of  common  tobacco;  this  should  be  repeated  about 
twice  a  day,  until  relief  is  obtained.  If  there  is  incarna- 
tion, the  ear  should  be  stoned  with  herbs  as  directed  for 
deafness.  In  ear  aches,  and  in  deafness,  ihe  ear  should, 
be  kept  stopped  with  wool,  greased  with  some  kind  of  oil. 
When  ear  ache  is  occasioned  by  an  insect  entering  the  ear 
drop  a  few  drops  of  the  tincture  of  camphor,  or  common 
spirits  in  the  ear. 

Head  Ache. — Head  ache  is  often  produced  by  a  foul 
stomach,  costiveness,  indigestion,  or  by  an  obstruction  of 
Ihe  circulation  of  the  blood,  and  not  unirequently  it  is  an 
attendant  symptom  of  some  other  disease.     Rut  there  is  a 

,  kind  of  headache  which  comes  en  periodically,  and  is  at- 
tended with  sickness  of  the  stomach,  and  sometimes  vomit- 
ing, called  sick  headache. 

TTEATMENT.-When  headache  is  an  attendant  symptom  of 
seme  ether  disease,  it  will  disappear  on  the  removal  of 
the  disease  which  it  accompanied.  When  it  is  caused  by 
a  foul  stomach,  an  emetic  will  give  relief;  when  produced 
by  costiveness,  regulate  the  bowels  by  the  use  of  purges- 
Persons  who  are  subject  to  paroxysms  of  sick  headache, 
should  live  on  light  diet,  take  regular  exercise,  keep  the 
bowels  open  by  the  use  of  cathartics,  or  bitters  composed 
of  equal  quantities  of  gulver  and  Indian  physic,  and  Moc- 
casin flower  root.  For  a  description  of  these  roots,  look 
under  their  different  heads.     About  the  time  the  fit  of  par- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  103 

jxysm  is  expected,  the  stomach  should  be  cleansed  by  an 
~emetic  of  gulver  and  ipecac  or  Indian  physic;  for  the  mode 
of  preparing  and  administering  this  emetic — see  Dispensa- 
tory. The  emetic  should  be  followed  by  a  dose  of  anti- 
bilious  pills  or  some  other  cathartic,  if  it  should  not  itself 
operate  sufficiently  on  the  bowels.  The  patient  should 
wear  flannel  socks  on  his  feet,  lined  with  red  pepper  con- 
stantly. 


EVlLE?SY—(Epilepsied.) 

Persons  of  all  countries,  ages  and  sexes,  are  in  some  de 
gree  liableto  this  distressingcomplaint.  Thecauses  which 
tend  to  produce  it  are  various  and  numerous,  and  the  re- 
medies must  be  varied  accordingly.  It  may  be  brought  on 
children  by  worms  or  by  teething;  sol  es  suddenly  drying 
up  on  them,  &c.  It  may  be  caused  by  the  intemperate 
use  of  spirituous  liquors,  by  the  sudden  suppression  of  the 
menses,  violent  fits  of  passion,  excessive  heat  or  cold,  &c. 

Symptoms. — Before  the  fit  comes  on,  the  patient  is  gen- 
erally troubled  with  dullness,  uneasiness,  giddiness,  pain 
in  the  head,  palpitations  of  the  heart,  disturbed  sleep,  and 
difficulty  of  respiration.  The  complexion  becomes  pale, 
and  the  extremities  cold.  Females,  it  is  said,  are  most  li- 
able to  this  disease.  It  is  sometimes  caused  by  some  na- 
tural defect  of  the  obstructions  of  the  blood  vessels. 

Treatment. — When  a  person  is  seized  with  a  fit,  a  piece 
of  wood  or  a  spoon  should  be  placed  in  the  mouth,  to  pre- 
vent 'he  tongue  from  being  injured  by  the  teelh.  When 
an  obstruction  of  the  brain  is  feared,  bleed  in  the  foot,  arid  , 
evacuate  the  bowels  as  speedily  as  possible,  by  the  use  of 
laxative  injections.  If  worms  are  the  cause  expel  them 
as  directed  under  that  head;  if  teething,  bathe  the  feet  in 
warm  water  frequently,  and  apply  plasters  of  mustard 
seed  to  the  feet,  to  produce  a  revolution  from  the  head, 
and  at  the  same  time  keep  the  bowels  open  by  cooling  in- 
jections; if  customary  evacuations  have  been  stopped, 
they  should  be  restored;  if  indigestible  food  or  spirituous 
liquors  taken  into  the  stomach  is  the  cause,  give  an  emet- 
ic; if  weakness  and  irritability  of  the  nervous  system  is  the 
cause,  give  the  atmospheric  tincture.  In  all  cases  of  this 
disease  the  powdered  root  of  the  moccasin-flower  should 
betaken  freely— dose,  a  tea-spocnful  of  the  powdered  root 


104  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

in  a  pint  of  boiling  water.  To  prevent  a  return  ,©f  the  fit, 
keep  the  bowels  open,  take  a  chalybeat  pill  morning  and 
night,  and  drink  a  tea  made  by  putting  a  tea-spoonful  of 
powdered  mistletoe  (taken  from  the  white-oak  tree)  and  a 
tea-spoonful  of  the  powdered  root  of  the  moccasin  flower 
info  a  pint  of  boiling  water.  All  possible  pains  should  be 
taken  to  keep  the  mind  at  ease  and  cheerful,  and  to  pre- 
vent the  intrusion  of  violent  and  agitating  passions. — 
When  Epilepsy  proceeds  from  natural  defects  it  is  incur- 
able. 


AVOYLEXY. —{Apoplexia.) 

Apoplexy  is  a  sudden  deprivation  of  sense  and  motion- 
while  the  heart  and  lungs  still  continue  in  regular  action. 

Causes. — Intense  study,  violent  passions,  wearing  the 
neck-cloth  too  tight,  luxurious  diet,  suppression  of  urine  or 
other  discharges,  sudden  checks  of  perspiration,  hard  drink- 
ing, excess  of  venery,  too-  large  doses  of  opium;  in  short, 
whatever  determines  or  throws  so  great  a  quantity  of 
blood  to  the  brain  that  it  cannot  return  from  that  organ, 
has  a  direct  tendencv  to  produce  this  distressing  and  often 
fatal  disease.  Persons  who  lead  an  inactive  life — per- 
sons of  advanced  age,  corpulent  habit,  short  neck,  and 
large  head;  also,  such  as  live  on  full,  rich  diet,  are  more 
liable  than  those  of  the  opposite  habits. 

Symptoms. — Itisusually  preceded  by  giddiness  and  swim-, 
ming  of  the  head,  loss  of  memory,  night-mare,  noise  in  the 
ears,  drowsiness  and  difficulty  of  breathing.  It  sometimes 
though  rarely  comes  on  suddenly  and  cannot  be  account- 
ed for — and  as  it  goes  off  leaves  some  part  of  the  system-; 
in  a  paralyzed  condition,  which  is  then  called  Palsy.  (For 
treatment  of  such  cases  see  Palsy.) 

Treatment. — Raise  the  patients  head,  place  him  where 
he  can  breathe  cool  air,  and  remove  every  thing  from, 
about  the  neck,  that  has  a  tendency  to  compress  it.  If  the 
patient  is  robust  and  of  a  plethoric  habit,  bleed  copiously 
in  the  loot,  bathe  the  feet  in  warm  water,  and  then  apply 
plasters  to  the  feet  in  order  to  produce  a  revulsion  from  , 
the  head.  Apply  cloths  wet  in  cold  vinegar  and  water 
to  the  head,  changing  them  as  fast  as  they  become  warm. 
Evacuate  the  contents  of  the  bowels  by  means  of  a  purge, 
aided  by  injections,  a  portion  of  each  injection  should  co$U 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  105, 

cist  of  anti-spasmodic  tincture,  or  some  of  the  articles  de- 
scribed in  the  class  of  anti-spasmodicsin  Materia  Medica. 
If  the  patient  should  be  old  and  feeble  and  the  counte- 
nance palid,  be  should  be  used  sparingly,  the  head  should 
be  raised  and  frequently  turned;  if  the  patient  can  swallow, 
give  a  purge  and  aid  its  operation  by  injection,  use  the 
anti-spasmodic  tincture  freely  by  the  mouth  and  by  in- 
jection; rub  the  feet  with  the  anti-spasmodic  tincture  and 
apply  plasters  of  mustard-seeds,  wet  with  the  same.  After 
the  violence  of  the  fit  has  subsided,  follow  the  same  course 
as  directed  for  Epilepsy. 

Persons  afflicted  with  either  of  these  dangerous  diseases, 
should  live  on  spare  diet,  and  carefully  avoid  all  predis- 
posing causes. 


VE  NERIA  L. — {Tsu-ne-nu-sup-hitk-sTiah) 

The  prevalence  of  this  filthy  disease  among  mankind,  is 
another  proof  among  the  many  that  might  be  adduced,  that 
it  is  the  interest  of  mankind  to  be  virtuous,  if  they  would 
be  happy,  and  he  that  would  be  healthy  must  be  tempe-. 
rate.  At  what  time  and  place  this  disease  had  its  origin, 
is  now  unknown  to  the  medical  world;  but  it  first  attract- 
ed attention  in  Europe,  about  the  close  of  the  fifteenth  cen  -. 
tury,  and  was  communicated  with  great  rapidity  to  every 
part  of  the  known  world,  and  became  such  a  desolating 
scourge  to  the  human  family,  as  to  render  it  an  object  of 
great  medical  attention. 

This  complaint  is  produced,  in  most  cases,  by  a  healthy 
person  having  sexual  intercourse  or  connexion  with  ano- 
ther who  has  this  infectious  disorder  in  the  genitals  or  pri- 
vates; and  most  frequently  occurs  among  persons  of  illicit 
habits,  and  hence  disgrace  is  attached  to  if:  and  on  this 
account,  may  have  been  induced  to  conceal  their  situation, 
until,  by  endeavoring  to  hide  their  shame  they  have  ruin- 
ed their  constitutions.  Y«t  it  sometimes  happens,  that 
this  contagious  complaint,  is  caught  innocently:  but  the 
difficulty  of  proving  innocence,  almost  always  leaves  a 
blight  upon  the  character  of  the  sufferer.  After  this,  dis- 
order has  been  taken  in  the  manner  I  have  described,  it 
will  depend  very  much  on  the  state  of  the  system  and  other 
peculiarities  of  the  system  not  distinctly  known,  at  what 
particular  time  the  disease  will  make  its  appearance.  In 
some  persons,  whose  systems  are  very  irritable,  it  will 


l66  INDIAN  &UIDEvTO  HEALTH. 

show  itself  on  the  third  or  fourth  day  after  sexual  connex- 
ion with  a  person  infected  with  the  disorder;  in  other  per- 
sons, it  will  be  eight  or  ten  days,  and  even  a  longer  time 
before  it  makes  its  appearance.  In  fact,  cases  are  men- 
tioned by  good  medical' writers,  in  which  the  venerial  mat- 
ter has  remained  as  it  were  asleep  in  the  system,  for  % 
much  greater  length  of  time.  Some  say  one  month,  some 
three,  some  six,  and  others  a  year  and  so  on.  But  I  sus- 
pect the  fact  to  be  in  those  cases  in  which  the  disease  is 
supposed  to  appear  after* a  considerable  time,  that  the  per- 
sons have  not  been  entirely  cured;  or,  in  other  words,  that 
the  disease  has  merel}'  been  driven  back  by  quackery,  and 
afterwards  showed  itself  under  the  following  forms:  In 
the  throat,  in  the  eyes,  in  the  nose,  on  the  legs,  in  swell- 
ings of  the  groins,  in  splotches  or  sores  on  the  body,  &c. 
When  it  makes  its  appearance  in  the  above  forms,  it  is 
called  Constitutional,  because  it  is  firmly  seated  in  the 
whole  body  by  the  venerial  poison  having  been  absorbed 
and  carried  i;«to.  the  whole  circulation.  The  venerial  dis- 
ease is  very .  contagious.  I  copy  the  following  from  the 
writings  of  Dr.  Gunn;  "The  venerial  disease  may  be 
communicated  by  wounding  or  pricking  any  part  of  the 
body  with  a  lancet,  having  on  its  point  any  particle  of  thiy 
venerial  poison.  I  recollect  a  student  of  medicine,  who 
came  very  near  death  from  cutting  his  finger  slightly  when 
dissecting  a  person  who  had  died  of  the  venerial  disease; 
the  poison  matter  was  communicated  to  the  slight  cut  in 
twelve  hours  afterwards;  he  labored  under  violent  fever, 
which  continued'ten  or  twelve  days,  before  the  inflamma- 
tion could  be  subdued.  This  disease  may  also  take  place 
from  an  application  of  the  matter  to  a  scratch,  to  a  30m- 
mon  sore,  cr  to  a  wound.  Several  instances  are  men- 
tioned of  Venerial  or  pox  sores  being  formed  in  the  nos- 
trils, eye-lids  and  lips,  from  the  slight,  circumstance  of  per- 
sons having  the  disease  touching  their  nostrils,  eyes,  or 
lips  with  their  lingers,  immediately  after  handling  the 
venerial  sores  on  their  own  privates.  These  remarks  are 
made  with  the  intention  of  showing  how  easily  this  loath- 
some disease,  with  all  its  impure  and  life  corrupting  taints 
may  be  communicated,  and  to  place  physicians  and  indi- 
viduals on  their  guard  against  infection." 

Venerial  diseases  have  two  distinct  forms.     The  first1  is 
Pox,  properly  'so  called,  and  the  secdnd,  Clap,  called  by 


INDIAN  GUfDE   TO  HEALTH.  107 

physicians  Gonarrha.  iThere  is  also  another  form,  which 
however,  always  arises  from  one  of  the  other  two,  or  from 
both  in  combination,  and  is  nothing  more  than  the  one  I 
have  before  described  as  constitutional. 


P  O  X.— [Oo-m-JecA,] 

The  Pox  is  a  most  contagious,  corrupting,  dangerous 
and  destructive  disease,  and  if  suffered  to  progress  in  its 
ravages  on  the  human  body,  never  fails  in  desolating  the 
human  constitution,  or  destroying  life  at  its  very  core. — 
It  has  two  forms.  First,  local,  and  second  constitutional, 
When  it  is  first  received  by  cohabit  ion,  it  is  for  &  while 
located  in  and  confined  to  the  privates  and  genital  organs; 
but,  if  let  run  on  for  a  length  of  time/without  being  cured, 
it  affects  the  whole  system,  and  deranges  and  impairs  the 
constitution — it  is  then  called  constitutional.  It  is  very 
readily  communicated  by  sexual  connexion,  or  from  either 
the  father  or  mother  to  the  offspring;  also  from  the  moth- 
er or  nurse,  who  gives  slick  to  the  child;  and  we  also  have 
it  from  very  respectable  authority,  that  it  may  be  taken 
from  inhaling  the  breath  of  a  person  who  is  affected  with 
it,  or  by  kissing,  drinking,  &c,  with  such  persons,  or  by 
washing  the  clothes  of  those  infected  with  it,  &c.  Pox 
differs  very  much  from  Clap,  in  the  length  of  time  in 
which  it  makes  its  appearance  from  the  time  of  its  recep- 
tion. It  will  sometimes  make  its  appearance  in  seven  or 
ten  days,  and  sometimes  it  will  be  two  or  three  weeks, 
and  even  longer  before  it  breaks  out. 

SymrTCMs.-*TMs  disease  generally  makes   its  appear- 
ance by  what  physicians  call  chancres,,  and   when  taken 
frcm  sexual  connexion  with  an  infected  person;  the  first 
warning  of  its  approach  is  generally  an  itching  about  the 
head  of  the  penis,  or  on  the  side  of  the  penis  near  the  end, 
and  on  the  inside  of  the  lips  of  the  privates  of  females. — 
Little  pimples  scon  rise  and  fill  on  the  top  with  a  whitish 
cr  yellowish  looking  matter;  in  a  very  lev/   day?,   these 
pimples  enlarge  themselves  and  become  what  are  called 
venerial  sores  or  ulcres.     These  sores  sometimes,  after  a 
long  continuance,  gradually  disappear  and  others  break 
\  out  at  the  same  time.     Sometimes  the  first  sores  continue 
to  enlarge  as  a  kind  of  eating  ulcer,  with  hard  looking 
wedges,  and  discharge  a  thin  unhealthy  matter.     The  Pox 
•also,  sometiir.es  makes  itsmppearance;  in  what  are  called 


103  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

buboes.  These  are  hard  lumps  like  kernels  or  swellings 
which  rise  in  one  or  both  groins.  These  swellings  grad- 
ually increase  in  size,  until  they  become  about  the  size  of" 
an  egg  and  have  an  angry  red  color,  and  unless  driven 
away  by  the  application  of  medicine,  they  will  come  to  a 
head  and  discharge  a  thin  briny  looking  matter.  These 
b  a  bo  ss  generally  produce  great  pain  and  some  fever.  Bu- 
boes sometimes  make  their  appearance  in  the  arm-pits,  in 
the  throat  and  about  the  neck.  These  last  appearances  of 
bubo  however,  are  not  very  frequent,  and  are  often  the 
effects  of  mercury  improperly  administered  in  the  Pox 
arising  from  the  disease  itself.  When  the  constitution  is 
very  irritable,  the  disease  will  sometimes  attack  the  nose, 
the  throat,  the  tongue,  the  eyes,  the  shin  bones  and  so  on. 
In  some  cases  the  whole  of  the  nose  and  palate  bones 
have  been  eaten  out,  and  the  nose  flattened  down  almost 
to  the  upper  lip.  When  the  disease  has  been  communica- 
ted from  parents  to  the  offspring,  it  sometimes  comss  into 
the  world  fall  of  sores,  and  sometimes  skinned  and  raw 
nearly  all  over.  How  the  feelings  of  virtue  and  common 
decency  must  recoil  at  such  a  disgraceful  and  yet  heart- 
rending and  truly  pitiable  sight. 

..Treatment. — First  give  an  emetic  of  gulver  and  wild 
ipecacuanha,  or  Indian  physic,  prepared  as  follows:  Take 
two  ounces  of  gulver  root,  and  one  ounce  of  ipecac,  or  In- 
dian physic,  (the  root)  put  them  in  one  gallon  of  water, 
and  boil  down  to  a  half  pint,  and  give  this  in  half  gill  do- 
ses at  intervals  of  fifteen  minutes,  until  vomiting  is  pro- 
duced. As  soon  as  this  medicine  commences  operating, 
^ive  warm  water  to  assist  its  operation:  when  the  stomach 
is  sufficiently  cleansed,  give  water  gruel  to  determine  it 
to  the  bowels.  You  may  also  give  a  teaspoonful  of  the 
Hour  of  sulphur  with  the-gruel,  to  remove  the  sickness  from, 
the  stomach.  After  the  operation  of  the  emetic,  the  pa- 
tient should  drink  of  the  following  decoction  :  Take  a 
handful  of  white  sarsaparilla  root,  (he  same  quantity  of 
yellow  sarsaparilla  root,  a  double  handful  of  wild  mercu- 
ry root;  boil  ail  ihese  articles  together  in  three  gallons  of 
water  down  to  a  half  gallon.  The  patient  should  drink  of 
this  decoction  three  half  pints  a  day.  Also  give  powders, 
made  as  follows:  Take  a  double  handful  of  agrimony,  the 
same  quantity  of  bamboo  brier,  two  ounces  of  Indian 
hemp;  wash  these  roots  clean  and  dry  them  in  the  shade,, 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  109 

where  they  will  not  be  exposed  to  the  dampness  of  the 
rain  or  dew;  when  perfectly  dry,  pulverize  and  bottle  np 
for  use.  Of  these  powders,  the  patient  should  take  a  dose, 
« teaspoonful;  if  this  should  fail  to  operate  in  two  hours* 
give  half  a  teaspoonful,  and  repeat  every  two  hours  until 
it  purges.  After  the  first  dose,  which  should  purge  well, 
give  a  sufficient  quantity  each  day  to  keep  the  bowels 
regulated.  If  the  above  powders  should  fail  to  operate  on 
the  bowels  with  sufficient  activity,  give  a  dose  ol  calomel, 
say  from  twelve  to  twenty  grains,  according  to  the  consti- 
tution of  the  patient;  after  which  give  a  moderate  dose, 
say  five  grains  twice  a  day  for  two-  days;  the  third  day 
give  one  dose,  after  which  give  three  grains  a  day,  until 
the  gums  and  root  of  the  tongue  feels  slightly  sore.  Oh 
the  first  appearance  of  the  soreness  of  the  gums  and  root 
of  the  tongue,  the  use  of  the  calomel  must  be  discontinued, 
and  a  tablespoonful  of  the  flour  of  sulphur  taken  twice  a 
day;  also  castor  oil  should  be  taken  twice  a  day;  a  table- 
spoonful  each  time. 

Diets. — When  the  patient  is  of  full  habit  of  body,  the 
diets  should  be  light,  such  as  light  soups,  buttermilk,  bread 
and  shortening,  a  little  chicken  or  squirrel  cooked  in  its 
own  oil  alone,  or  something  of  the  kind.  But  if  the  pa- 
tient is  in  delicate  health,  or  much  reduced  by  the  disease, 
-or  by  the  use  of  strong  medicines,  nourishing  diet,  wine 
-and  tonics  will  be  proper. 

CLAP. 

This  disease  may  be  communicated  by  sexual  inter- 
course. Or  if  a  woman  be  afflicted  with  it  while  preg- 
nant, unless  she  be  cured  before  the  birth  of  the  child,  it 
is  sure  to  have  it;  some  children  are  born  «with  it,  whose 
mothers  have  been  cured  before  delivery.  These  are  the 
•only  means  by  which  this  disorder  can  be  communicated. 
When  taken  by  sexual  connexion  in  sound  poisons  who 
have  never  had  it  before,  it  will  not  in  general' show  it- 
self sooner  than  from  five  or  six  to  nine  days,  but  I  have 
never  known  it  to  go  over  the  tenth  day  after  it  was  re- 
ceived, before  it  made  its  appearance.  Persons  who  have 
frequently  been  afflicted  with  Clap,  or  those  of  weakly, 
irritable  habits,  are  apt  to  discover  it  on  them  about  the 
third  day,  and  it  very  seldom  passes  the  fifth  with  such 
persons,  without  showing  some  signs  of  its  approach*^* 


1 10  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

I 

The  mode  of  life  will  make  a  difference  in  the  length  of 
time  in  its  making  its  attack.  If  you  are  temperate,  it 
will  not  show  itself  so  soon  as  if  you  are  intemperate  after 
the  reception  of  the  disease. 

Symptoms. — In  most  instances,  the  first  symptoms  are 
an  itching,  and  slightly  painful  sensation  about  half  an 
inch  up  the  water  passage  from  the  end  of  the  penis,  and 
burning  or  scalding  sensations  or  feeling.-;  in  the  urethra, 
or  canal  of  the  penis,  whenever  you  urinate  or  make  wa- 
ter. In  a  short  time,  say  in  the  space  of  from  five  to  twen- 
ty hours  after  these  symptoms  are  felt,  there  will  be  a 
slight  discharge  of  matter  from  the  privates,  nearly  like  the 
white  of  an  egg;  in  a  short  time  it  becomes  more  copious, 
and  of  a  yellow  color,  and  lastly,  of  a  greenish  color.  In  a 
few  days  the  soreness  extends  up  the  water  passage  (ure- 
thra) to  the  neck  ot  the  bladder,  and  the  system  is  thrown 
into  a  general  feverish  condition.  In  females  this  disease 
is  somewhat  more  simple  than  in  males.  In  its  first  stage 
it  resembles  the  whites  in  their,  worst  stage,  and  they  can 
go  much  longer,  and  suffer  less. without,  a  remedy,  than  a 
male;  because  the  parts  are  larger,  and  the  matter  more 
freely  discharged,  before  it  becomes  so  irritating.  But  the 
female  labors  under  this  disadvantage:  The  disease  soon- 
crpassesup,  both  the  birth  place  and  water  canal,  and  af- 
fects the  womb  and  bladder  both.  Sometimes  the  tisti- 
cies  of  the  male  swell,  and  become  very  painful,  and  the 
penis  inclines  to  great  erections,  thereby  giving  great 
pain.  The  Chip  thows  itself  much  sooner,  and  progresses 
much  more  rapidly,  and  soon  becomes  more  violent  on 
those  who  have  it  frequently,  or  more  1  ban  once,  than  it 
does  the  first  time;  in  such  cases  it  frequently  attacks  the 
whole  water  passage  at  once,  or  perhaps  up  near  (he  first 
place.  After  the  disease  has  beeft  suffered  to  run  on  for 
n  length  of  time,  the  eyes  become  weak,  and  the  little 
veins  are  all  engorged  with  blood;  the  edges  of  the  lids 
look  swelled,: inflamed  and  hard,  the  hollow  around  the 
eves  assume  a  dork  appearance,  and  the  countenance 
wears  a  dull,  defected,  and  sickly  aspect. 

Treatment. — First  cleans  the  bowels  with  anti-brllious 
pills  or  some  ether  cathartic;  and  then  drink  freely  of  a 
decoction  made  as  follows:  Take  of  white  sumac  root  five 
pounds,  of  .the  small  kind  red  root  two  pounds,  one  double 
handful  of  black  or  dewberry  brier  root,  a  double  handful 


„ 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  iU 

of  persimmon  bark,  (the  bark  of  the;  root  is  preferred)  boil 
all  th$se  articles  in  ten  or  twelve  gallons  of  water,  down 
to  a  half  gallon,  and  strain  for  use.     Of  this  decoction  the 
patient  must  drink  freely,  and  keep  the  bowels  regulated 
by  the  use  of  anti-billious  pills  or  some  other   cathartics. 
He  should  also  take  a  handful  of  sarsaparilla,  and  boil  it 
in  two  gallons  of  water  down  to  a  quart,  and  fake  of  this 
decoction  a  half  pint  or  more  each  day.     Tl^e  above  med- 
icines should    be  used  perseveringly  until  the  discharge 
ceases.     The  patient   should  eat    no  strong  diet;   a  little 
squirrel  or  chicken  may  be  taken  if  cooked  with   but  very, 
little  seasoning,  if  wheat  bread  is  used    it    should  not  be: 
shortened.     Tea  or  coffee  may  be  drank,  but  ardent  spirits  - 
must  be  avoided  or  the  remedies  may  be  discontinued. — 
The  patient  should  avoids  all  exposure  or  vioJent  exercise,.. 
and  all  sexual  intercourse  with  others. 

Another  Mode  of  Treatment. — Cleanse  the  bowels  as 
above  directed,  and  then  drink  freely  of  a  strong  decoction   , 
of  equal  quantities  of  dewberry  brier  root  and    blue  flag  or    . 
gleet  root. 

In  all  obstinate  cases  where  the  above  remedies  fail, 
give  a  dose  of  calomel,  say  from  ten  to  twenty  grains, 
and  work  it  off  with  castor  oil  or  rheubarb,  and  then 
drink  freely  of  one  of  the  above  decoctions,  in  coonexion 
"with  1  he  sarsaparilla  decoction. 

There  are  many  other  preparations  which  mayjbe  used  .-.. 
to  great  advantage  in  this  filthy  complaint,  as  may  be 
seen  in  the  Dispensatory.  But  those  afflicted  with  this 
loathsome  disease,  are  too  apt  to  be  changing-  the  mode  of 
treatment  before  it  has  had  a  fair  trial.  This  is  very 
wrong,  and  should  by  all  means  be  avoided  if  a  speedy  re- 
covery is  desired.  After  having  pursued  one  remedy  for 
Jen  days  without  an  alteration  ior  the  better,  it  may  be 
changed  for  some  other  mode,  but  not  sooner,  and  temper- 
ance must  he  strictly  observed. 


BLOODY  URINE. 

A  discharge  of  Bloody  Urine,  may  be  occasioned  by  the 
lodging  of  a  small  stone  in  the  ureter,  or  in  the  kidney, 
which  wounds  the  part  with  which  it  comes  in  contact; 
when  in  this  way  it  usually  deposites  a  sediment  of  a  dark 
brown  color,  sometimes  clotted,  and  is  attended  with  an 
a  cute  pain  and  sense'of  weight  in  the  back,  and  difficulty 


112  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

in  making  water;  when  the  above  symptoms  occur,  and 
it  is  supposed  to  be  caused  by  the  lodgment  of  a  stone, 
look  for  a  remedy  under  the  head  of  Stone  and  Gravel. — 
"When  the  blood  proceeds  immediately  from  the  bladder, 
its  discharge  is  usually  accompanied  with  a  sense  of  heat, 
and  pain  in  the  lower  part  of  the  belly. 

Treatment. — Give  a  tea  of  the  powdered  root  of  Jeru- 
salem oak,  a  table-spoonful  to  a  pint  of  boiling  water;  also 
give  powders  of  egg-shells  and  alum,  equal  quantities. — 
The  egg-shells  must  first  be  browned  or  parched  in  an 
•oven  and  reduced  to  a  fine  powder;  they  should  be  finely 
pulverized,  and  the  two  articles  mixed  together.  Dose,  a 
tea  spoonful  night  and  morning.  The  bowels  must  be 
kept  open  by  the  use  of  anti-bilious  pills  or  some  other  ca- 
thartic, such  a3  rheubarb,  oil,  &c.  Bitters  of  yellow  sar- 
saparilla  in  common  spirits  will  be  found  of  great  advan- 
tage in  this  disease. 

GRAVEL  AND  STONE. 
[Tsu-ni-nic-luh-huli-sko-oh-ielwh-luh.] 

Gravel  and  Stone,  though  distinguishable  from  each 
other,  appear  to  originate  in  the  same  causes,  and  require 
similar  treatment.  Gravel  is  usually  understood  to  mean 
calculi,  (from  the  old  word  calx)  a  limestone,  or  Utile  sand- 
like stones,  which  pass  from  the  kidneys  through  the  ure- 
ters into  the  bladder.  Stone  is  a  strong  concretion  of 
matter,  which  enlarges,  and  hardens  by  time;  seldom 
found  in  the  ureters  or  tubes  themselves,  but  generally 
lodged  in  the  kidneys  or  bladder;  when  the  Stone  is  in 
the  kidney  it  is  because  it  is  too  large  to  be  passed  off 
through  the  ureters  (ureters  are  small  tubes  which  ex- 
tend from  the  kidneys  to  the  bladder  and  convey  the  urine 
into  the  latter)  into  the  bladder;  and  when  found  in  the 
bladder,  it  is  from  the  fact  of  its  being  too  large  to  be. 
passed  off  through  the  channel  of  the  penis. 

Symptoms. — "When  a  disposition  to  Gravel  exists  in  the 
urinary  system,  there  will  be  occasional  paroxysms  or  fits 
of  pain  in  the  back,  which  sometimes  shoot  downward  to 
the  thighs,  and  sometimes  a  numbness  of  one  of  the  legs 
inside,  accompanied  with  a  retraction  or  drawing  up  of 
one  of  the  testicles  or  stones  in  men,  almost  constant  de- 
sire to  make  water  which  is  attended  with  the  most  ago- 
hizing  pain;  and  is  sometimes  terminated  by  a  discharge 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  II 3 

of  small  gravel  stones  from  the  urethra  with  the  urine, 
sometimes.  The  stone  which  is  usually  found  in  the  kid- 
neys or  bladder,  sometimes  in  both,  is  a  disease  of  more 
serious  and  dangerous  consequences.  When  the  stone 
has  acquired  some  size,  if  situated  in  the  bladder,  there  is 
an  almost  constant  desire  to  make  water,  which  is  voided 
in  very  Small  quantities,  sometimes,  drop  by  drop  with 
great  pain--and  sometimes  in  a  small  stream,  which  oc- 
casionally stops  short,  and  is  attended  with  almost  insup- 
portable pain.  In  some  persons,  the  violence  of  straining 
to  void  the  urine,  makes  the  rectum  or  lower  gut  contract, 
and  expel  its  excrements;  or  if  that  gut  be  empty,  this 
straining  occasions  tenesmus  or  a  constant  desire  to  go  to 
stool.  There  is  often  blood  to  be  seen  in  the  urine,  and 
sometimes  pure  blood  is  passed  off  in  small  quantities. — 
When  calculus  or  stone  is  formed  in  the  kidney,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  general  symptoms  of  stone  in  the  bladder,  there 
will  be  felt  a  dead,  heavy,  dull  pain  in  the  loin,  where  the 
kidney  containing  the  stone  is  seated,  frequently  accom- 
panied with  chillness  or  creeping  coldness,  in  and  over 
the  part  affected.  In  severe  cases  of  calculous  or  stone, 
either  in  the  kidneys  or  bladder,  there  is  frequently  experi- 
enced, during  the  time  of  passing  the  urine,  sickness  of  the 
stomach,  a  desire  to  vomit  and  much  faintness.  The  gra- 
vel and  sometimes  stone,  when  the  latter  has  not  become 
too  much  enlarged  from  the  lapse  of  time,  may  much 
more  easily  be  removed  from  the  bladders  of  females  than 
from  males. 

Treatment. — The  bowels  should  be  kept  open  by  mild 
and  cooling  purges,  such  as  cream  of  tartar,  American 
senna  or  some  similar  article.  There  are  two  small 
bones  in  each  drum  fish's  head,  they  are  nearly  round,  and 
about  the  size  of  the  thumb  nail,  reduce  a  number  of  these 
bones  to  a  very  fine. powder,  and  take  ateaspoonful  of  these 
powders  morning  and  night.  This  is  a  certain  remedy  for 
stone  or  gravel,  it  will  dissolve  the  stone,  and  cause  it  to 
be  passed  off  in  the  urine. 

There  are  many  other  valuable  articles  for  this  truly 
painful  and  distressing  complaint.  A  decoction  of  cat 
tongue,  drank  freely  seldom  failes  to  give  relief.  The 
Horse  radish  is  very  good,  and  the  common  garden  rad- 
ish is  also  good;  the  proper  mode  of  using  the  common 

G 


114  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

radish  is  in  decoction,  or  the  expressed  juice;  this  is  a 
valuable  remedy,  and  it  is  said  by  many  to  possess  the 
property  of  dissolving  and  carrying  off  the  urine. 

The  index  will  point  to  numerous  valuable  articles  for 
suppressed  urine.  Every  thing  of  a  heating  nature,  both 
in  diet  and  drink,  must  be  strictly  avoided. 

The  patient  should  take  regular,,  but  moderate  exercise. 
The  index  will  also  refer  the  reader  to  several  valuable 
preparations  for  gravel  in  the  dispensatory. 

Turk  in  his  pamphlet,  which  was  published  in    1843, 
says,  "I  have  cured  this  disease  of  long  standing,  in  four 
or  five  days,  with  a  root  in  alcohol  or  good  spirits;  I  have 
'mover  failed,  and  until  I  do,  I  will  continue  to  believe  in  its 
efficacy.     I  could  cite  many  cases  of  the  most  notorious 
kind,  but  as  I  intend  a  small  work,  I  will  give  but  one.     A 
gentleman  in  North  Carolina  had  been  afflicted   for   15 
years,  and  so  much  so,  and  so'  many  trials  had  been  made, 
that  all  hopes  of  a  cure  was  abandoned;  he  had  to  draw 
his  water  with  a  catheter;  he  celled  upon  me,  and  I  furnish- 
ed him  the  medicine;  he  declared  to  me  that,  I  cured  him 
ia  three  or  four  days;  1  saw  him  occasionally  for  three  or 
four  months,  and  he  remained  well."     The  root  I  cure  this 
disease  with,  grows  in  every  part  of  the  United  States, 
where  I  travel;  it   grows  on    upland,  and  low  grounds — 
I  have  mostly  found  it  in   fence  Corners;   in  good  land,  it 
grows  irom  live  to  eight  feet  high,  has  a  bushy  top  and 
yellow  blossoms,  and  blooms  from  the  last  of  July,  and 
through  August.     The  root  is  the  part  for  use,  and  hard 
to  dig — has  man}''  roots  growing  horizontally,  when   dug 
out,  and  exposed  to  the  sun,  inclines  to  turn  red,  between 
the  bark  and  the  woody  part  of  the  root  is   a  sticky  rosin. 
The  rosin  contains  the   medicine,  the  stalk  while  green 
ha    1  he  appearance  of  four  square,  but  when  close  exam- 
ined, it  is  found  to  be  round,  and  four  feather  edges.     As 
I  know  ot  no  other  root  that  contains  this  kind  of  rosin,! 
cannot  see  how  it  can  be  mistaken,  and  another  proof,  it 
makes  a  very  pleasant  drink,  and  |Will  remind  us  of  the 
pure  rosin.     This  medicine  acts  directly  up6n  the   water 
passage,  and  will  dissolve    any  stone  in  the  kidneys   or 
bladder.     It  seems  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  any  other 
part  of  the  system;  the  graved,  after  being  dissolved,  is 
thrown  off,  and  looks  like  lime.     The  mode  of  preparing 
and  using  it  is  as  follows.     After  the  root  is  dug  and  well 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  115 

•washed,  cut  fine  and  fill  a  quart  bottle  with  the  root,  then 
put  in  the  spirits;  and  it  will  soon  be  fit  for  use.  The  bot- 
tle will  bear  filling  two  or  three  times,  without  renewing 
the  roots.  This  tincture  should  be  drank  as  freely  as  pos- 
sible, according  to  the  age,  strength,  and  constitution  of 
the  patient, — it  should  be  used  most  freely  from  10  to  4 
o'clock  in  the  night.  In  all  diseases,  the  system  should  be 
in  good  order,  and  costiveness  in  this  disease  should  be 
particularly  avoided.  This  root  will  cure  any'inilamma- 
t.ion  of  the  bladder,  diabetes,  or  involuntary  flow  of  urine. 
I  have  never  tried  the  above  remedy,  as  the  pamphlet  very 
lately  came  to  my  hands,  but  thought  proper  to  give  it  a 
place,  as  the  root  abounds  in  our  country,  and  it  certainly 
deserves  a  trial. 

The  Uva  Ursi  of  the  mountainous  regions  of  Europe, 
and  possibly  of  this  country,  is  said  by  physicians  who 
profess  to  be  acquainted  with  its  medical  virtues,  to  stand 
unrivaled  as  a  remedy  for  gravel  or  stoine.  A  full  des- 
cription of  this  article  may  be  seen  under  its  proper  head 
to  which  is  added  several  cases  of  actual  experiment,  and 
the  result  in  cases  of  gravel  or  stone. 


'o* 


• 


DIABETES. 

Which  means  an  immoderate  flow  of  urine,  commonly 
without  any  particular  pain  in  the  urinary  organs. 

Symptoms. — The  quantity  of  water  usually  discharged 
in  this  disease  is  more  than  double  the  quantity  of  liquid 
taken  both  in  food  and  drink,  and  it  is  as  transparent  as 
spring  water — it  has  a  sweetish  taste  like  sugar  and  wa- 
ter, and  a  very  faint  smell,  as  if  mixed  with  rosemary 
leaves.  After  this  disease  runs  on  for  a  length  of  time,  the 
mind  becomes  dull  and  melancholy,  the  skin  dry  and  hot. 
immoderate  thirst  which  cannot  Jbe  satisfied,  the  appetite 
becomes  voracious.  There  is  a  gradual  emaciation  of  . 
whole  body,  attended  with  great  debility,  a -sense  cfweari- 
■  and  great  aversion  to  motion.  There  are  frequent 
darling  pains  in  the  privates,  accompanied  with  a  chill, 
heavy  pain  in  the  small  of  the  back,  the  bowels  are  costive 
the  pulse  irregular.  As  the  disease  advances,  fever  takes 
place,  similar  to  that  in  hectic  and  ccmsumptive  cases,  the 
feet  begin  to  swell,  and  death  in  a  short  time  ensues.  The 
attacks  of  diabetes  arc  generally  slow  and -gradual.     It  is'' 


116  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH, 

sometimes  two  or  more  years  in  making  its  advances  on 

the  constitution. 

Treatment. — Cleanse  the  stomach  with  an  emetic,  fol- 
low the  emetic  with  a  cooling  purge.  Purges  should  not 
he  used  in  this  disease  any  further  than  to  prevent  cos- 
tiveness.  The  patient  should  drink  daily  of  a  tea  of  piny- 
weed  or  gleet-root  or  both  combined,  and  take  a  chalybeate 
pill  night  and  morning. 

The  diet  should  be  nourishing,  principally  flesh;  vegeta- 
bles should  be  avoided. 


C  H  0  L  I  Ct. — [Tsu-ne-yoh-low-tis-scoli.~\ 

Of  this  disease  there  are  generally  reckoned  three  kinds, 
as  flatulent,  bilious,  and  nervous  or  cramp  Cholic.  The 
causes  which  predispose  to  an  attack  of  Cholic,  are  flatu- 
lence, indigestible  food,  unripe  fruits,  fermenting  drinks, 
windy  vegetables,  excess  of  bile,  costiveness,  sudden  check 
of  perspiration,  cold,  worms,  other  diseases  improperly  or 
imperfectly  cured,  &c. 

Symptoms  of  Flatulent  Cholic. — This  Cholic  may  be 
distinguished  by  a  rumbling  in  the  bowels,  and  a  disposi- 
tion to  belch  or  discharge  wind  from  the  stomach.  Jt  is 
also  attended  with  sickness  and  sometimes  vomiting,  a 
violent  pain  is  felt  in  the  stomach,  and  if  undigested  food 
has  passed  from  the  stomach  into  the  bowels,  the  pain  will 
extend  from  the  stomach  to  the  bowels  and  be  most  severe 
at  or  near  the  naval.  The  stomach  and  bowels  both  being 
distended  or  tightly  swelled. 

Treatment. — This  kind  of  Cholic  may  generally  be  re- 
moved by  very  simple  means,  such  as  a  drink  of  warm 
loddy,  to  which  may  be  added  fifteen  or  twenty  drops  of 
oil  of  penny-royal,  essence  of  peppermint,  or  strong  mint 
tea — a  tea  of  black  or  red  pepper,  ginger,  spice,  calamus, 
dog- wood  berries,  are  all  good  and  will  generally  give  re- 
lief; a  tea  cf  bubby-root  is  also  good.  Hogs  hoofs  burnt 
and  reduced  to  powders,  taken  in  tea-spoonful  doses  mix- 
ed with  honey,  every  few  minutes,  will  be  found  an  im- 
mediate remedy.  tSpikenard-root  taken  in  powders  or 
bitters,  is  very  good;  spirits  into  which  has  been  put  balm, 
of  gilead  buds,  is  excellent,  a  dram  of  camphor  is  good. 
Persons  who  are  addicted  to  Cholic  should  use  balm  of 
gilead  buds,  spikenard-root,  prickly-ash  bark  of  the  root. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  117 

or  asafoedita  digested  in  common  spirits  for  a  daily  bitter. 
These  articles  may  be  used  alone  or  combined  at  pleasure. 
In  a  violent  and  stubborn  attack,  bleed  and  bathe  the  pa- 
tient; if  bathing  vessels  are  not  at  hand,  bathe  the  feet, 
and  apply  cloths  wrung  out  of  hot  water,  to  the  belly,  as 
hot  as  can  be  borne,  warm  salt,  applied  in  the  same  man- 
ner is  very  good.  If  costiveness  prevails,  give  laxative 
clysters,  such  as  butter-nut  syrup  and  gulver  tea  combined; 
the  clysters  should  be  continued  until  >the  contents  of  the 
bowels  be  thoroughly  evacuated,  after  which. give  a  few 
clysters  of  new  milk  and  water. 


BILIOUS   CHOLIC. 

Symptoms. — Loss  of  appetite,  a  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth, 
an  acute  pain  about  the  naval,  costiveness,  attended  with 
.sickness  and  vomiting  of  a  bilious  matter. 

Treatment. — Open  the  bowels  with  some  active  Cathar- 
tic, aided  by  injections.  If  the  pulse  be  frequent  and  high, 
bleed.  After  the  bowels  have  been  thoroughly  cleansed, 
give  a  few  injections,  composed  of  new  milk  and  water, 
with  a  little  hogs  lard  in  it.  When  the  stomach  is  irrita- 
ble, it  may  be  quieted  with  mint  tea,  or  a  tea  of  cholera 
morbus  root;  peppermint  bruised  and  applied  to  the  pit  of 
the  stomach,  will  aid  in  checking  the  vomiting.  After 
relief  is  obtained,  it  will  be  advisable  to  take  an  anti- 
dyspeptic  or  hepatic  pill  night  and  morning  for  a  few  days. 
This  will  restore  the  liver  to  healthy  action,  and  increase 
the  tone  and  strength  of  the  stomach. 


NERVOUS   CHOLIC. 

Nervous  or  Cramp  Cholic  may  be  distinguished  by  a 
disposition  to  cramp,  accompanied  with  pain  similar  to 
other  Cholic. 

Treatment: — Bathe  the  feet  in  warm  water  and  bleed 
in  the  foot.  If  the  blood  can  be  taken  from  the  vein 
which  lies  nearest  the  ankle-bone  on  the  inside,  it  is  pre- 
ferred. Give  laxative  injections — butter-nut  and  gulver 
if  it  can  be  had.  At  the  same  time,  let  the  patient  drink 
freely  of  sampson  snake-root  tea,  a  tea  of  bubby-roor,  or 
the  root  or  bark  of  the  prickly  ash.  Warm  applications  to 
the  pained  part,  such  as  cloths  wet  in  hot  water  or  warm 
salt,  will  aid  in  subduing   the   spasm  or  cramp    Cholic, 


118  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

sometimes  it  extends  to  the  blood;  this  kind  of  Cholic  pro- 
duces  a  dull,  heavy  sensation  throughout  the  whole  sys- 
tem; this  cholic  is  most  common  among  pregnant  women, 
and  may  be  relieved  by  keeping  t,he  bowels  open,  by  the 
use  of  mild  cathartics  and  drinking  freely  of  bitters  com- 
posed of  spikenard,  white  sarsaparilla  and  the  bark  of  the 
root  of  prickly  ash.  These  articles  maybe  used  all  to- 
gether, or  either  of  the  articles  used  alone.  The  express- 
ed juice  of  prickly  ash  root  is  not  surpassed  by  any  other 
remedy  in  oar  knowledge  for  Flatulent  or  Nervous  Cholic. 


LOCKED  JAW. 

Locked-Jaw  may  be  considered  an  involuntary  cramp 
or  contraction  of  all  the  muscles  of  the  body.  It  most 
frequently  arises  from  wounds,  and  in  some  instances  from 
very  slight  wounds,  such  as  the  slight  puncture  of  a  pin. 
needle,  or  splinter  under  the  nail;  also  from  cuts,  snags,  &c. 

Symptoms — Are  a  dull  stiffness  of  the  head  and  neck,  ari 
uneasiness  in  the  breast,  soon  followed  by  a  change  of 
speech,  and  a  difficulty  of  swallowing,  the  patient  fre- 
quently remains  perfectly  in  his  senses.  The  stiffness  in 
the  jaws  gradually  increases,  until  the  teeth  becomes 
clenched,  the  tongue  also  becomes  stiff,  and  violent  and 
alarming  proxysms  nov/  take  place  in  the  muscles. 

Treatment. — When:  this  painful  disease  proceeds  from 
a  wound  of  any  kind,  the  wound  should  be  immediately 
opened  and  cleansed  of  any  matter  that  may  be  in  if;  then 
fill  it  with. spirits  of  turpentine  or  warm  salt,  and  cover  it 
with  a  warm  moist  poultice.  If  the  patient  can  swallow, 
give  a  purge  of  gulver  and  butter-nut  syrup  combined,  or 
caster  oil:  the  cathartic  should  be  aided  by  injections. — 
For  preparing  and  administering  injections,  see  utfder  the 
head  Clystering.  Also  give  a  tea  of  seneka  or  black  snake- 
root.  If  the  patient  cannot  swallow,  give  injections  free- 
ly of  some  active  cathartic,  as  it  is  all  important  to  have 
the  contents  of  the  bowels  immediately  evacuated.  To- 
bacco or  tincture  of  lobelia  may  be  combined  with  the  pur- 
gative injections  to  great  advantage.  The  warm  bath 
should  never  be  dispensed  with  in  this  alarming  disease, 
as  it  will  aid  both  in  relaxing  the  muscles  and  in  the  oper- 
ation of  the  cathartics,  whether  administered  by  injections 
or  otherwise.     For  an  external  application  to  the  jaws, 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  110 

use  the-  red  pepper  poultice,  a  thin  cloth  should  be  put  be-  4 
tween  the  skin  and  the  poultice  to  keep  it  from  burning  the 
skin.  The  poultice  should  be  wet  with  antispasmodic 
tincture,  and  from  a  half  to  a  whole  tea  spoon  hi  1  of  this 
tincture  should  be  taken  internally,  repeated  at  intervals 
of  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  or  oftener,  as  circumstances  re- 
quire it.  If  the  patient  cannot  swallow,  this  tincture 
should  be  put  into  the  mouth,  it  will  soon  find  its  way  to 
the  root  of  the  tongue  and  will  aid  greatly  in  relieving  the 
spasm  and  cause  the  parts  to  become  relaxed.  A  poultice 
of  life-everlasting  or  sassafras  buds  is  very  good,  applied 
to  the  jaws  and  throat,  to  produce  a  relaxation  of  the 
parts. 

TOOTH-  ACHE.— (Oo-yok-quak-li-skee.) 

This  ex<3rutiating  and  distressing  complaint,  is  thought 
by  many  persons  to  originate  in  the  teeth.  This  idea,  how- 
ever common  it  may  be,  is  very  erroneous.  It  is  in  most 
instances,  a  symptom  of  other  diseases,  which  diseases 
must  be  nought  out  and  removed  before  relief  can  be  ob- 
tained. 

Treatment. — When  this  disease  is  supposed  to  arise 
from  rheumatism,  look  under  that  head  for  a  remedy. — 
When  it  is  caused  by  the  stoppage  of  periodical  evacua- 
tions in  females,  refer  to  that  head  among  the  diseases  of 
women  for.  a  remedy.  When  it  is  attended  with  costive- 
ness,  headache  and  fever,  purge  freely  with  salts,  caster 
oil,  rheubarb  or  antibilious  pills.  Toothache  is  frequently 
caused  by  the  nerve  of  the  tooth  being  exposed  to  the  at- 
mosphere. When  this  is  the  case,  wet  cotton  or  lint  in 
cederoii,  essence  of  peppermint,  penny-royal  or  spirits  of 
camphor,  and  plug  the  hollow  of  the  tooth  with  it,  renew 
this  lint  frequently  and  it  will  generally  give  relief;  cotton 
or  lint  wet  with  laudanum  is  also  very  good.  Toothache 
sometimes  arises  from  rheumatism,  when  this  is  the  case, 
both  the  sound  and  decayed  teeth  will  be  pained;  there 
will  also  be  a  dull  heavy  pain  extending  along  the  jaw- 
bone, and  the  whole  side  of  the  face  will  be  affected  to  a 
greater  or  less  extent.  When  this  is  the  case,  wilt  the 
t  leaves  of  the  Jamestown- weed  ( jimson)  by  putting  them 
in  hot  water  and  then  pressing  them  tightly  in  the  hand, 
then  put  them  on  a  cloth  large  enough  to  cover  the  pained 
part,  and  bind  them  to  the  jaw  as  warm  as  can  be  borne; 


120  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

when  the  leaves  become  cold,  warm  them  by  pouring  a 
hot  tea  of  the  same  leaves  over  the  plaster,  and  again  ap- 
ply it.  This  will  in  most  cases,  give  relief  if  properly  at- 
tended, to.  Extracting  should  be  the  last  means  resorted 
to  for  relief.  I  have  known  sound  teeth  extracted,  and  af- 
terwards other  diseases  were  discovered  to  be  the  cause, 
which  had  to  be  removed  .before  health  could  be  enjoyed. 
Toothache  is  very  common  among  pregnant  women,  par- 
ticularly daring  the  first  stages  of  pregnancy;  cold  is  al- 
most always  the  exciting  cause;  it  may  be  relieved  by 
the  use  of  mild  cathartics,  bathing  the  feet  in  warm  wa- 
ter and  drinking  some  diaphoretic  teas. 


BEALED  JAW. 
( Coh-yoa-cah-tsi-tuh-n  u-tis-lay.) 

Bealed  Jaw  is  generally  caused  by  cold  settling  on  a. 
iccayed  tooth.  The  patient  should  drink  freely  of  some 
sweating  tea,  such  as  pennyroyal,  balm,  mint,  sage, 
&.G.  Also  steam  the  wound  over  bitter  herbs,  such  as  cat- 
nip, hoarhound,  &c.  For  an  external  application,  I  have 
never  found  anything  so  good  as  the  Jamestown  leaves, 
(jimson)  as  directed  above  for  Toothache.  This,  if  ap- 
plied in  any  reasonable  time,  will  allay  the  inflammation 
and  prevent  it  from  beaiing.  The  leaves  may  be  procur- 
ed in  summer,  and  cured  in  the  shade  and  made  into  a 
poultice  when  needed.  In  this  way  they  may  be  had  at 
all  times  in  the  vear. 


PALSY — (Tsu-m-luh-tah.luh-uh-skah.) 

This  disease  is  characterized  by  a  numbness  or  want  of 
feeling  in  the  part  affected.  It  sometimes  affects  one 
part  and  sometimes  another.  If  it  attacks  the  heart  or 
iungs  it  must  inevitably  prove  fatal — its  danger  or  fatali- 
ty is  to  be  expected  in  proportion  to  the  vitality  of  the 
part  affected. 

Causes  which  predispose  to  an  attack  of  Palsy,  are  apo- 
plexy, obstructions  of  necessary  evacuations,  excessive 
venery,  any  injuries  that  obstruct  the  passage  of  the  ner- 
vous fluid  to  the  brain,  to  the  organs  of  motion,  injuries  of. 
the  spinal  marrow,  intense  study  and  great  distress  or  an- 
xiety of  the  mind.  In  short,  any  thing  that  has  a  tendency 
to  weaken  and  relax  the  nervous  system  in  an  extreme  de- 
gree, has  a  tendency  to  produce  this  alarming  disease. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  121 

Symptoms — Are  giddiness,  torpor,  uneasiness  in  the 
head,  failure  of  the  memory,  dullness  of  intellect,  coldness, 
tremor,  creeping  and  pain  in  the  part  affected. 

Treatment. — First  dig  a  pit  in  the  ground,  just  deep  e- 
nough  for  the  patient's  shoulder  to  be  even  with  the  sur- 
face of  the  earth  when  sitting  on  a  chair  in  the  pit;  build  a 
fire  in  the  pit,  and  let  it  remain  until  the  pit  becomes  hot, 
then  take  the  fire  out  as  soon  as  the  pit  becomes  cool  e- 
nough  for  the  patient  to  bear  it;  place  him  or  her  in  it 
on  a  chair,  and  cover  it  over  with  a  blanket,  only  leaving 
the  head  of  the  patient  to  the  air.  Let  the  patient  remain 
in  this  pit  until  copious  sweating  is  produced,  or  as  long  as 
the  constitution  and  strength  will  allow.  When  the  pa- 
tient is  taken  from  the  pit,  scarify  the  joints  of  the  affected 
part,  and  very  especially  the  back  bone,  and  wash  the 
scarified  parts  with  the  tincture  of  Indian  hemlock.  For 
a  full  description  of  this  shrub  or  bark  refer  to  that  head. 
The  mode  of  preparing  the  tincture  is  as  follows:  Take  oi' 
the  powdered  leaves  of  Indian  hemlock  a  table  spoonful, 
put  it  into  a  half  pint  of  hot  water,  and  let  it  remain  thirty 
minutes  or  more,  then  wash  the  scarified  parts  with  this 
infusion  or  tincture,  every  hour  for  twelve  hours,  if  the 
natural  feeling  does  not  return  in  a  shorter  period;  but  if 
it  should  return, '(which  is  not  uncommon  under  this  treat- 
ment,) the  use  of  the  hemlock  should  be  discontinued,  and 
the  parts  should  be  frequently  and  well  bathed  with  strong 
vinegar.  The  patient  should  drink  freely  of  a  beer  mado 
as  follows:  Take  malt  enough  to  make  ten  gallons  of  beer, 
put  it  into  ten  gallons  of  water,  add  to  it  one  quart  of  fine- 
ly ground  mustard  seed,  let  this  beer  ferment  (work  or 
become  sour)  and  it  will  be  fit  for  use.  The  patient  should 
drink  freely  of  this  beer  until  health  is  restored.  Diets 
should  be  light  and  nourishing,  and  if  the  bowels  be  cos- 
tive, they  should  be  relieved  by  mild  purges,  and  injec- 
tions. 


W  E  N  . 

Wen  is  a  fleshy  substance  growing  between  the  skin 
and  the  natural  liesh,  without  any  known  cause.  When 
it  makes  its  appearance  on  the  neck,  it  frequently  grows  to 
such  an  enormous  size,  as  to  render  breathing  very  diffi- 
cult. 

Treatment. — First  annoint  the  Wen  with  cedar  oil. — 


122  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH 

(For  the  mode  of  preparing  this  ointment,  look  under  its 
properhead.) — It  should  be  annointed  with  this  ointment 
every  twelve  hours,  then  apply  a  plaster  made  of 
equal  quantities  of  common  soap,  and  table  salt,  mixed 
well  together;  the  fourth  day  this  poultice  should  be 
changed,  for  one  made  by  boiling  the  pulverized  root  of 
maycock  in  water,  and  thickening  it  with  corn  meal.  If 
the  leaves  are  green,  they  'may  be  applied  if  preferred,  be- 
ing first  bruised  or  wilted.  These  poultices  should  be 
changed  occasionally,  keeping  the  first  kind  on  about  one 
third  of  the  time,  and  the  maycock  the  other  two-thirds. — 
The  wen  should  be  regularly  annointed  with  cedar  oil  ev- 
ery twelve  hours;  the  ointment  should  be  bathed  in  with  a 
warm  iron. 

Dr.  Wright  gives  the  following  easy  and  simple  remedy 
as  an  infallible  one:  "Wash  it  with  common  salt  dissolved 
in  water,  every  day,  or  make  a  strong  brine  of  alum  salt; 
simmer  it  over  the  fire;  when  thus  prepared,  wet  a  piece 
of  cotton  in  it  every  day,  and  apply  it  constantly  for  one 
month,  and  the  protuberance  will  disappear."  I  have 
never  tried  Dr.  Wright's  prescription,  but  have  no  reason 
to  doubt  its  efficacy.  It  is  at  least  so  simple,  and  so  easi- 
ly tried,  that  Iiiave  thought  proper  to  give  it  a  place. 

'DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN. 

The  close  connexion  which  exists  between  the  stomach. 
bowels,  and  skin,  is  evidently  demonstrated  by  the  fact. 
that  in  many  instances  where  the  stomach  and  bowels  are 
internally  disordered,  the  skin  exhibits  external  evidence 
hi'  the  disease.  Many  eruptions  which  show  themselves  on 
the  skin,  are  positive  proofs  of  the  deranged  state  of  the 
system  internally.  Care  should  therefore  be  taken  to  as- 
certain the'true  cause  of  those  eruptions.  If  they  are  pro- 
duced by -no  impure  state  of  the  blood,  foul  stomach,  cos- 
tivencss,  or  from  some  constitutional  disease  derived  frb'm 
parents;  if  either  of  these  causes  produce  eruptions  of  the 
skin,  it  will  be  obvious  to  all,  that  it  is  to  be  removed  by 
internal  remedies.  When  eruptions  are  produced  by  the 
above  causes,  and  should  be  driven  from  the  skin,  by  ex- 
ternal remedies  alone,  it  will  generally  produce,  and  in 
many  instances,  seat  some  fatal  disease  on  the  vital  or- 
gans. Dr.  Gunn  says:  "Whenever  diseases  exhibit  their 
effects  on  the  skin,  you  may  be  assured  that  they  are  the 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  123 

efforts  of  nature  to  relieve  herself  from  oppression;  and, 
the  real  business  of  the  physician  is,  to  assist  nature,  and 
never  to  retard  or  stifle  her  operations."  The  cause,  ofe- 
ruptions  should  be  sought  out  and  remoyed,  and  when  they 
proceed  from  internal  disease,  they  will  have  to  be  re- 
moved by  internal  remedies. 

Treatment. — The  first  thing  to  be  attended  to  in  case  of 
eruptions,  is  the  bowels,  which  must  be  cleansed  by  a  ca- 
thartic, and  then  kept  open  by  the  use  of  salts,  cream  of 
tartar,  and  sulphur,  or  a  free  use  of  yellow  poplar  root 
bark,  taken  in  decoction,  bitters,  or  powders,  as  may  be  the 
choice  of  the  patient.  A  tea  ofsarsaparilla,  sassafras,  or 
spice  wood  drank  cool,  will  be  found  beneficial.  For  ex- 
ternal applications  use  common  starch  or  flour.  These 
simple  applications  will  be  found  a  cooling,  and  pleasant 
remedy;  they  will  allay  the  itching  and  uneasiness  of  the 
skin  for  a  time,  and  when  these  unpleasant  sensations  re- 
turn, the  application  should  be  repeated.  Persons  that 
are  subject  to  eruptions  of  the  skin,  should  live  on  light 
fand  refreshing  diet,  and  avoid  everything  of  a  heating; 
nature  either  in  food  or  drink.  They  should  also  keep  their 
bowels  open  by  the  use  of  cooling  cathartics  as  above 
directed.  The  skin  should  be  kept  clean,  and  moist,  by 
frequent  bathing,  and  washed  in  warm  water. 


SCALD-HEAD. 
( Tsa-nah-U-stah-iw.) 

Sca'd-head  is  an  inflammatory  eruption  of  the  skin  of 
the  head.  It  generally  commences  with  an  uneasy  ting-- 
ling,  itching  sensation,  as  though  something  was  crawling 
through  the  hair.  In  a  short  time,  numerous  small  white 
pimples,  arise  at  the  roots  of  the  hairs,  under  which  are 
cry  small  ulcers,  which  will  in  a  short  time,  discharge  a 
whitish  matter.  At  other  times  it  commences  more  bold- 
ly, and  presents  clusters  of  small  red  pimples  or  pustules. 
dispersed  throughout  the  head.  Some  even  advance  t<> 
supcration,  leaving  pits  filled  with  pus;  many  scabs  fall  off 
like  bran,  white  others  adhere  closely  to  the  skin.  Chil- 
dren are  most  liable  to  this  disease,  but  the  adult  is  not  ex- 
empt from  it.  Neglect  of  cleanliness,  bad  nursing,  or  a 
want,  of  a  due  portion  of  wholesome,  food  may  produce 
this  disease.  It  is  contagious,  and  is  of  en  taken  by  chil- 
dren    from    wearing    the    hat    or    cap    of  a  person  at- 


124  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

fected  with  it,  by  sleeping  in  the  same  bed,  or  by  combing 
with  the  same  comb.  It  also  descends  in  some  'instances, 
as  a  hereditary  disease,  and  when  it  occurs  in  connexion 
with  a  scrofulous  habit,  it  is  tedious  and  difficult  to  cure. 
Treatment. — The  hair  must  be  shaved  or  trimmed,  as 
close  as  convenient,  and  the  head  well  cleansed  with  warm 
water  and  soap;  the  first  attempt  to  remove  the  scabs,  and 
cleanse  the  head,  will  require  some  time,  in  order  to  soften 
the  scabs  that  they  maybe  removed  without  pain.  When 
this  is  done,  the  head  should  be  washed  in  a  decoction  of 
the  small  kind  of  smart  weed;  (for  a  description  of  this 
weed,  look  under  that  head;)  after  the  head  has  been  wash- 
ed in  the  above  decoction,  take  a  feather  and  dip  it  in  ce 
der  oil,  and  touch  it  lightly  on  the  deepest  pustules  or 
scalds.  Then  anoint  the  head  with  an  ointment  made  by 
stewing  the  bruised  smart  weed  in  hog's  lard  or  fresh  but- 
ter. Next  apply  a  poultice  of  corn  meed  mush,  made  with- 
out salt;  after  it  is  spread  on  a  cloth  large  enough  to  cov- 
er the  affected  part,  sprinkle  on  its  surface  a  thin  coa.t  of 
the  flour  of  sulphur,  and  apply  it  to  the  head.  The  head 
should  be  dressed  in  the  above  manner,  once  in  every  24 
hours,  and  not  more.  After  it  has  been  dressed  in  the  a-, 
bove  manner  six  or  eight  days,  instead  of  the  smart  weed; 
decoction,  you  may  wash  it  with  water  in  which  swee 
gum  leaves  have  been  bruised  and  soaked.  I  have  neve 
known  the  above  course  to  fail  in  effecting  a  cure  if  per- 
sisted in.  The  patient  should  keep  the  bowels  open, 
the  use  of  mild  and  cooling  purges,  and  drink  freely  of  sar 
saparilla  in  decoction  or  bitters.  I  have  known  it  cured 
by  the  smart  weed  alone,  applied  as  above  directed,  and 
keeping  it  well  cleansed  with  soap  suds;  I  have  also  knowr 
it  cured  by  cleansing  it  daily  with  soap  suds,  and  apply- 
ing a  salve  made  by  stewing  the  buds  of  the  balm  of  gile 
ad  in  sheep's  tallow  or  hog's  lard,  and  adding  a  little  swee 
gum  rosin.  Cleanliness  must  be  particularly  attended  t 
in  this  disease,  for  without  it  a  cure  will  be  sought  for  in 
vain 


TETTER-WORM. 
Oo-coh-yok-ter-oo-ne-squaw-lier 

Symptoms. — This  disease  assumes  a  variety  of  forms  in 
different  persons.  It  sometimes  come  in  broad  itchy  spots, 
which  run  into  each  other,  and  form  extensive  excoriations 


■  : 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  125 

of  the  skin,  or  terminate  in  bad  ulcers.  Sometimes  the 
skin  thickens,  wrinkles  and  cracks,  being  very  tender  and 
painful.  In  some  persons,  this  complaint  is  most  severe 
in  winter,  while  others  suffer  most  from  it  in  summer.— 
This  disease  is'  sometimes  constitutional  and  hereditary; 
when  this  is  the  case,  it  is  very  difficult  to  cure. 

Treatment. — When  this  disease  is  in  the  skin  only,  it 
may  be  cured  by  very  simple  means.  The  root  of  the 
common  dock,  either  the  wide  or  narrow,  stewed  in  hog's 
lard,  and  used  as  an  ointment,  will  in  most  cases  effect  a 
cure.  Puccoon  root  bruised,  and  steeped  in  vinegar,  and 
used  as  a  wash,  seldom  fails  to  effect  a  speedy  cure. — 
When  the  case  is  obstinate,  apply  cederoil;  if  it  is  too  se- 
vere, it  may  be  rendered  more  mild  by  stewing  it  with  an 
equal  quantity  of  hog's  lard  or  fresh  butter.  I  have  never 
known  this  remedy  to  fail.  When  the  disease  is  constitu- 
tional, in  addition  to  the  above  external  applications,  give 
cooling  purges  and  bitters  to  cleanse  the  blood,  such  as  sar- 
saparilla,  poplar  root  bark,  sassafras  or  burdock.  They 
may  be  taken  in  decoction,  if  preferred  by  the  patient. 

RING-WORM. 

Symptoms. — This  disease  of  the  skin  is  characterized  by 
small  red  pimples  which  break  out  in  a  circular  form,  con- 
taining a  thin  acrid  humor.  It  is  attended  with  itching 
and  smarting,  which  is  greatty  increased  by  over-heating 
the  body.  In  a  general  way,  the  eruption  does  not  spread 
to  any  considerable  extent,  but  instances  have  occurred 
in  which  it  spread  over  the  whole  body,  and  the  skin  as- 
sumed a  leprous  appearance.  In  cases  of  this  kind,  the 
itching  is  too  intolerable  to  be  borne  with  any  degree  of 
patience.  * 

Treatment. — Ring- worms  very  often  disappear  of  them- 
selves in  the  course  of  a  few  days;  but  are  apt  to  return  in 
a  short  time.  The  expressed  juice  of  either  kind  of  dock 
will  kill  them  in  a  short  time;  the  juice  of  the  walnut  hull 
will  kill  them,  or  the  juice  of  the  inside  of  white  walnut 
bark.  An  ointment  made  of  equal  quantities  of  cedar  ®il 
and  hog's  lard  or  fresh  butter  will  also  cure  it.  But  I 
have  seldom  failed  curing  it,  with  a  much  more  simple 
application.  When  you  first  discover  a  ring-worm,  rub  it 
wrell  with  spittle  every  morning  before  eating  or  drinking. 


126  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

and  it  will  soon  disappear;  it   should  be  rubbed  until  it 
smarts  a  little. 


ITCH.— [Oo-ni-tsi-ldh.') 

This  dirty  disease  is  infectious  or  catching,  and  is  not 
unfrequently  produced  by  neglecting  to  pay  due  regard 
to  cleanliness.  Some  authors  suppose  it  to  be  produced 
by  a  little  insect  which  makes  its  way  under  the  skin, 
and  thus  produces  tne  eruptions  and  itching.  I  believe  it 
to  be  confined  to  the  skin,  whether  produced  by  an  insect 
<or  not.  Cleanliness  and  early  attention  to  this  disease  will 
prevent  its  being  communicated  to  a  whole  family.  Some 
persons  have  no  more  regard  for  themselves  nor  others 
than  to  take  this  filthy  disease  to  school  and  in  this  way 
communicate  it  to  the  whole  neighborhood.  This,  how- 
ever, may  be  prevented  by  the  occasional  use  of  sulphur. 
This  disorder  may  be  communicated  by  sleeping  with  a 
person  who  has  it,  or  by  sleeping  in  the  same  bed  and  bed 
clothes,  where  a  person  has  lately  slept  that  was  infected 
with  it.     In  this  way  travelers  often  catch  it. 

'  Symptoms. — It  shows  itself  first  between  the  fingers  and 
around  the  wrists  in  small  watery  pimples  and  gradually 
extends  over  the  whole  body. 

Treatment. — Take  the  root  of  common  wide  or  narrow 
dock,  bruise  it  well  and  stew  it  in  hog's  lard,  strain  it  and 
add  sweet-gum  rosin,  and  a  small  quantity  of  cedar  oil, 
use  this  as  an  ointment.  Kit  should  not  have  the  desired 
•effect  in  a  few  days,  add  the  flour  of  sulphur  or  pulverized! 
brimstone.  A  small  quantity  of  sulphur  ma)^  be  taken 
internally,  which  will  prevent  in  a  great  degree,  any  in- 
jury by  cold  from  its  external  use.  To  wash  frequently 
with  a  strong  decoction  of  cedar  tops  or  berries  will  p^Tip- 
rally  cure  the  :  :  o  a  strong  decoction  of  Vir- 

ginia or  bin  ek  -  root,  or  Jamestown  weed  leaves  or 

s we™ gum  leaver,  or  bark,  or  a  decoction  of  buck  thorn. 
Any  of  the  above  applications  will  cure  the  itch  in  a  short 
time,  provided  there  is  due  regard  paid  to  cleanliness,  with- 
out which  a  care  never  can  be  affected  for  any  length  of 
time.  The  application  should  he  irade  until  the  erup- 
tions disappear,  then  the  skin  should  be  well  washed  witl 
.warm  soap-suds  and  clean  clothes  put  on.  The  be 
clothes  should  also  be  changed,  and  those  that  were  wor 


INDIAN   GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  127 

while  having  the  itch  should  be  well  washed  before  they 
are  again  used. 


SHINGLES. 

This  disease  is  characterized  by  an  eruption  or  clusters 
of  small  blisters  on  some  part  of  the  trunk,  and  spreading 
round  the  body  like  a  girdle.  They  sometimes  extend 
over  the  shoulder  and  round  under  the  opposite  arm  in  the 
form,  of  a  sword-belt.  An  attack  of  this  complaint  is 
sometimes  preceded  by  headache  and  nausea,  but  this  is 
not  very  common.  The  usual  symptoms  are,  hear,  itching 
and  tingling,  in  some  parts  of  the  body,  which  is  covered 
with  small  red  patches  of  an  irregular  shape,  and  upon 
each  of  these  patches  may  be  seen  very  small  pimples 
clustered  together.  In  a  short  time  these  pimples  become 
enlarged  and  are  rilled  with  a  clear  fluid,  and  the  whole 
pimple  has  a  transparent  appearance.  If  the  disease  is 
not  checked  other  clusters  will  appear  and  in  a  short  time 
extend  quite  round  the  body. 

Tteatmext. — In  most  cases  this  disease  will  require 
nothing  more  than  the  free  use  of  some  diaphoretic  teas. 
If  cosfiveness  prevails,  remove  it  by  the  use  of  mild  ca- 
thartics, such  as  cream  of  tartar,  salts  or  castor  oil.  The 
parts  affected  should  be  washed  with  a  decoction  of  sour- 
dock,  or  some  cooling  tea.  If  the  contents  of  the  bowels 
should  be  hard  to  remove,  laxative  injections  should  be 
used  to  aid  the  cathartic.  All  exposure  to  cold  ami  damp 
should  be  avoided,  such  as  damp  feet,  damp  clothes,  &c. 
The  diet  should  be  light,  and  moderate  exercise  regularjy 
taken. 


ST.  ANTHONY'S  FIRE  or  ERYSIPELAS. 
All  persons  are  liable  to  attacks  of  this  disease — but  fe- 
males are  most  liable.  The  infant  of  a  few  days  old,  and 
the  very  aged,  are  equally  liable  to  its  attacks.  It  is  gen- 
erally regarded  as  an  inflammation  seated  in  the  skin,  and 
mostly  appearing  on  the  face,  hands  legs  and  feet,  though 
all  parts  of  the  body  are  liable  to  its  attacks.  In  warm 
climates  it  bears  a  much  more  inflammatory  character 
than  in  colder  ones.  It  may  be  produced  by  obstructed 
evacuations,  such  as  a  sudden  check  of  perspiration,  stop- 
'oage  of  the  menses  in  females,^  the  drying  up  of  ulcers, 
cec.     Persons  of  a  sanguine,  irritable  temperament,,  are 


128  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

most  liable  to  its  attacks;  and  those  who  have  it  once  are 
much  more  liable  to  be  attacked  again,  for  that  peculiar 
condition  of  the  system  which  gives  birth  to  it  once,  is 
more  apt  to  occur  again  than  if  it  had  never  existed. 

Symptoms. — For  a  few  days,  before  it  makes  its  appear- 
ance on  the  skin,  great  drowsiness  and  weakness  is  exper- 
ienced, bad  appetite,  and  sometimes  hard  breathing;  more 
violent  attacks  come  on  with  chillness,  head  ache,  nausea 
and  sometimes  vomiting,  heat  and  great  thirst.  When  it 
makes  its  appearance  externally,  the  skin  becomes  thick 
and  of  a  crimson  color  and  is  attended  with  great  restless- 
ness and  a  burning  itching  sensation.  The  pulse  is  small 
and  frequent,  in  a  short  time  the  skin  will  be  covered  with 
small  red  pimples  containing  a  clear  fluid.  If  the  disease 
be  neglectedthc.se  pimples,  or  blisters  sometimes  termi- 
nate in  bad  ulcers,  which  rapidly  tend  to  mortification. — 
This  complaint  is  usually  most  dangerous  when  it  attacks 
the  face.  When  it  attacks  the  face  and  the  inflammation 
runs  high,  inflammation  of  the  brain  is  to  be  apprehended, 
and  should  be  gaurdecl  against  by  all  possible  means. 

Treatment. — On  the  first  appearance  of  this  disease,  if 
the  attack  be  mild,  drink  freely  of  some  sweating  tea,  and 
cleanse  the  bowels  with  antibilious  pills  or  some  other  ca- 
thartic. But  should  it  put  on  an  aggravated  form  and 
the  inflammatory  symptoms  run  high,  it  will  be  necessary 
to  loose  a  little  blood.  Evacuate  the  contents  of  the  bow- 
els speedily  as  possible,  and  then  give  some  diapharetic 
teas  freely,  f;uch  as  sage,  hysup,  balm,  pennyroyal,  mint, 
or  some  kind  of  snake-roof;  the  patient  should  also  take 
the  flour  of  sulphur  occasionally,  if  this  is  not  at  hand, 
pulverize  brimstone  as  fine  as  possible  and  put  it  in  the 
tea.  Far  an  external  application  to  the  skin,  use  fine 
starch  or  flour.  If  the  eruption  should  become  very  pain- 
ful, make  a  tea  of  red  pucoon-root  and  use  it  as  a  wash. 
I  have  also  applied  a  plaster  made  of  tar  mixed  with  a 
sufficient  quantity  of  hogs  lard  to  prevent  it  from  sticking; 
this  last  is  an  excellent  application,  when  the  eruptions 
are  so  painful  as  to  require  it. 


SMALL-POX 
(Oo-nuh-leh-qualee.) 

This  disease,  in  large  cities  and  densely  populated  com 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  i2® 

tries  has  proved  a  most  fatal  scourge,  and  has  formed  one 
of  the  great  outlets  of  human  life.     It  is  contagious  and 
extends  from  one  country  to  another,  spreading  terror  and 
dealing  death  wherever  it  goes.     This  appaling  and  fatal 
malady  was  unknown  to  the  man  of  the  forest,  until   their 
country  became  inhabited  by  the  whites,  and  their  rivers 
navigated  by  steamboats,  and  cities  and  towns  were  erec- 
ted on  their  banks.     It  was  then    communicated  by  the 
whites  to  the  Indians ;  it  was  .a  new  disease  and  one  for 
wThich  they  knew  no  remedy;  they  died    indiscriminately 
as  fast  as  they  were  seized  with  this  king  of  terrors — their 
medicines,  which  they  used  with  so  much  success  in  oth- 
er diseases  were  tried  in  vain;  hundreds  of  their  tribes 
were  hurried  into  eternity,  while  the  remainder  had  little 
else  to  expect  than  soon  to  follow,  and  that  in  the  most  ag- 
onizing manner  imaginable.     Notwithstanding  the  little 
success  they  at  first  had  in  treating  this  alarming  disease, 
the  courage  of  their  physicians  was  undaunted — they  ful- 
ly believed  that  their  own  happy  land  contained  a  remedy. 
Their  former  articles  of  medicine  having  failed  they  re- 
sorted to    experiment.      Every    new   patient  afforded   a 
new   opportunity,    and  it   was   but  deathif    the   exper- 
iment   should    fail — and    as   it   was   death   under     any 
former  treatment  known  by  them,  the  poor  sufferer  readi- 
ly consented.     Those  experiments  were  crowned  with  suc- 
cess far  beyond  their  most   sanguine  expectations.     They 
found  the  remedy  in  their  own  native  land  and  in  consid- 
erable abundance.     This  disease  is  now   considered  by 
them  as  a  curable  one,  and  that  with  simple  and  not  disa- 
greeable  remedies.     The  art  of  vaccination  was  taught 
them  by  the  whites:  they  use  this  as  a  preventative  with 
great  success,  as  may  be  seen  under  that  head. 

Symptoms.-- -Small-Pox  is  contagious,  1  hough  like  mea- 
sles, it,  seldom,  if  ever,  attacks  the  same  person  but  one 
Some  individuals  appear  to  be  unsusceptible  to  the  infec- 
tion of  this  disease,  although  exposed  to  it  often  through 
life.  A  few  days  before  the  appearance  of  the  eruptions. 
an  uneasy  restless  feeling  and  a  great  dislike  to  motion  of 
any  kind  is  experienced.  Also  'dullness,  followed  by  hoi 
flashes  and  attended  with  slight  fever.  A  dull  heavy  pain 
is  felt  in  the  back  and  in  the  head,  accompanied  with  great 
thirst,  stupor,  a  quick  pulse,  and  in  children  violent  con- 
vulsions frequently  occur.     About  the  third  or  fourth  day; 

H 


1 30  INDIAN  GUID^i  TO  HEALTH. 

the  eruptions  make  their  appearance  on  the  fac%  neck, 
breast  and  arms,  in  small  red  spots,  which  feel  hard  when  j 
pressed^  with  the  finger.  These  spots  or  pimples  continue  . 
to  spread  until  the  whole  body  is  covered  with  them. —  .. 
They  also  continue  to  increase  in  size  and  about  the  fifth 
or  sixth  day,  they  begin  to  turn  white  on  the  top  and  feel 
very  painful.  About  this  time  the  face  swells  and  the 
ieatures  appear  changed,  the  eyes  are  frequently  closed  by 
the  swelling  and  the  quantity  of  spittle  greatly  increased 
The  throat  swells  and  is  attended  with  hoarseness  and  dif- 
ficulty of  swallowing;  by  the  tenth  or  eleventh  day,  the 
pimples  have  increased  to  about  the  size  of  a  common  pea, 
on  the  top  of  each  pimple  or  pustule  there  will  be  a  small 
black  spot,  whilst  the  remainder  of  the  pimple  or  pustule 
will  be  filled  with  yellow  matter.  '  In  a  short  time  the 
swelling  in  the  face  in  some  degree  subsides,  and  a  swel-  , 
ling  in  the  hands  and  feet  follow.  The  pustules  gradually 
become  rough,  break  and  discharge  an  offensive  matter. 
When  these  pustules  are  large  or  long  in  drying,  they  leave 
deep  holes  or  scars  in  the  skin.  Some  writers  divide  this 
disease  into  two  species,  distinguished  as  the  distinct  and 
confluent.  The  above  are  the  symptoms  attending  the  dis- 
tinct. The  confluent  is  more  rapid  in  its  progress  than  the 
distinct.  It  assumes  a  typhoid  or  nervous  form,  but  as  our  .. 
mode  of  treatment  is  similar  in  both  forms  of  this  disease, 
the  distinction  need  not  be  minutely  drawn. 

Treatment. — First  give  a  large  dose  of  antibilious  pills 
and  aid  their  operation  by  laxative  injections.     (See  un- 
der the  head  of  clystering.)     After  the  contents  of  the  bow- 
els have  been  thoroughly  evacuated,  let  the  patient  drink 
freely  of  a  tea  or  decoction  of  water  big-leaf,  called  by  the 
Indian,  Oo-cah-lo-ka-quah-ah-my-yeah.     A5so  wash  the  pa- 
tient frequently  all  over  in  a  tea  of  the  same;  the  bowels 
must  be  kept  open  by  the  use  of  antibilious  pills,  and  the 
free  use  of  the  tea  continued  until  relief  is  obtained.     For  . 
directions  to  prepare  the   antibilious  pills   refer  to   that 
head.     Also,  for  a  full  description  of  the  Water-Big-Leaf  • 
refer  to  that  head. — This  valuable  medicine  is  considered 
by  us  an  infallible  remedy  for  this  alarming  scourge,  the 
Small-Pox,  depriving  ifc.at  once  of  its   former  terrors  atid  , 
fatalitv. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH;  131 

VACCINATION. 

Vaccination?  is  the  introduction  or  insertion  into  the  arm 
by  means  of  the  lancet,  of  the  matter  by  which  the  Cow- 
pox  is  produced  in  the  human  system.  About  fifty-five  or 
sixty  years  ago,  vaccination  was  discovered  to  be  a  pre- 
ventative of  Small-Pox.  This  valuable  discovery  was 
raade  in  England,,  and- has  since  been  made  known  to  the 
different  portions  of  the  globe.  It  was  communicated  to 
the  Indians  by  the  English,  and  is  now  used  by  th'em  as  a 
preventative  of  this  dreadful  scourge,  and  however  easy 
may  be  the  cure,  yet  the  preventative  is  to  be  preferred. — 
The  matter  should  betaken  before  the  ninth  day,  or.it  will 
be  too  inactive  to  produce  the  desired  effect. 

When  vaccination  takes  proper  effect  on  the  system,  we 
believe  it  to  be  a  safe  preventative,  and  one  that  may  be 
relied  on  without  the  least  anticipations'  of  danger.  The 
proper  mode  of  communicating  the  vacine  matter  to  an 
individual,  is  by  scratching  the  skin  with  a  needle  or  lan- 
cet, until  a  small  quantity  of  blood  appears;  then  put  a 
small  quantity  of  the  matter  in  the  scratch  or  incision.  If 
the  matter  is  good,  it  will  appear  transparent;  on  the  con- 
trary, if  it  has  become  opaque,  jt  should  not  be  used.  This 
matter  is  sometimes  brought  to  this  and  other  countries  on 
thread:  when  this  is  the  case,  make  the  incision  as  above 
directed,  and  put  a  piece  ofvhe  thread  which  contains  the 
matter  in  the  incision,  and  confine  it  there.  The  Cowpox: 
sometimes  fails  to  take  the  proper  effect  on  the  system;  in 
this  case  it  only  produces  a  s-light  redness  in  the  arm,  and 
is  attended  with  no  other  disagreeable  feeling.  On  the 
contrary,  when  it  has  ihe^esired  effect,  it  generally  pro- 
duces a  slight  head  ache,  pain  under  the  arm,  and  some 
lever, — these  symptoms  generally  pass  off  in  .the  course  of 
a. few  hours,  without  medical  aid.  The  proper  place  for 
inserting  the  vacine  matter,  is  on  the  arm  above  the  elbow, 
and  when  it  takes  the  desired  effect  on  the  system,  it  is  ea- 
sily known  by  the  appearance  of  the  lump  or  postule, 
which  rises  at  the  place: where  the  matter  was  inserted. 
If  a  pustule  or  pimple  should  arise  of  a  full  and  oval  form, 
with  a  dent  or  indentation  in  the  centre,  and  contain  mat- 
ter, tho  vaccination  has  had  the  proper  effect.  These 
pustules  generally  make  their  appearance  about  the  third 
diy — about  th a,  eighth  da^the  pustule  is  completely  from- 


1 82  INDIAN  'GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

cd.     In  a  short  time  the  disagreeable  feelings  subside,  *n$ 
the  pustule  generally  disappears. 

CHICKEN  POX,    ' 

This  is  an  infectious  disease,  and  never  attacks  the  same 
person  but  once  through  life.     It  is  characterized  by  pim- 
ples or  pustules,  on  the  skin  which  bear  some  resemblance 
+o  those  of  the  small-pox— though  of  a  much  milder  form. 
The  appearance  of  the  pimples  or  pustules  is  usually  pre- 
ceded by  slight  fever,  attended  with  chillness  and  stupor, 
or  drowsiness — a  pain  is  felt  in  the  head  and  back,  great 
thirst,  restlessness  and  a  quick  pulse.     About  the  third  or 
fourth  day,  the  pustules  become  filled  with  a  watery  sub- 
stance, "which,  however,  never  becomes  yellow  as  is  the 
ease  in   small  pox.     A  few  days  after  the   pustules  be- 
come  full,  they  dry  away — leaving  a  crust  or  scab  over 
each  pustule — which  sometimes  leaves  a  scab   when  it 
comes  off,  1  hough  not  very  often.     A  malignant  form  of 
chicken  pox  is  called  swine  pox.     The  same  treatment  will 
answer  both,  only  it  should  be  followed  with  more  prompt- 
ness in  the  latter,  than  in  the  former  case. 

Treatment. — The  bowels  should  be  kept  open  by  the 
use  of  mild  cathartics,  such  as  castor  oil,  cream  of  Tartar, 
American  senna,  or  any  other  cooling  laxative  that  may 
he  preferred.  Let  the  patient  drink  freely  of  some  dia- 
phoretic teas  such  as  Mountain  dittany,  black  dittany,  sag« 
balm,  hysop,  pennyroyal  or  either  kind  of  snake  root;  and 
avoid  all  exposure  to  cold  or  sudden  changes,  in  order  to 
prevent  the  eruption  from  striking  in  and  producing  sick- 
ness. Where  the  disease  assumes  a  very  aggravated 
form,  the  water  big  leaf  may  be  used  as  directed  for  small 
pox.  By  the  observance  of  the  above  rules,  no  danger 
should  be  apprehended  from  the  swine  or  chicken  pox.— 
The  diet  should  be  light  and  nourishing. 


MEASLES. 
This  is  a  contagious  or  catching  disease,  but  like  many 
others  it  attacks  the  same  person  but  one  time  during  lite. 

Symptoms. — Between  the  third  and  ninth  day — some  au- 
ihors  prolong  the  time  to  the  fifteenth  day — after  the  in- 
fection has  been  received,  it  produces  sickness  at  the  sto- 
mach, stupor,  dullness,  gseat  thirst,  frequent  sneezing,  as  if 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  133 

talcing  a  severe  cold,  a  short  dry  cough,  redness  and  wat- 
ering of  the  eyes,  and  the  running  of  a  watery  mucous 
firom  the  nose.  In  a  short  time  after  these  symptoms,  the 
eruption  generally  makes  its  appearance  on  the  lace  and 
neck  in  small  red  pimples,  which  soon  spread,  over  the 
whole  body.  The  fever  and  cough  does  not  abate  in  the 
measles  on  the  appearance  of  the  eruption  as  it  does  in 
small  poz,  but  continues  until  the  eruptions-begin  to  disap- 
pear, which  is  generally  in  about  three  or  four  days  after 
it  makes  its  appearance.  .  In  some  instances  the  cough  and 
fever  has  been  known  to  continue  for  several  days  after  the 
eruptions  had  entirely  disappeared,  this  however  is  not 
very  common. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  for  measles  in  ordinary  ca- 
ses, when  the  patient  in  other  respects  is  in  health,  is  sim- 
ple— nothing  more  is  necessary  than  to  drink  freely  of 
some  diaphoretic  or  sweating  tea,  and  keep  the  bowels  open 
by  injections  or  mild  cathartics.  But  in  no  disease  with 
which  I  am  acquainted  is  there  more  serious  consequen- 
ces to  be  apprehended  from  taking  cold,. than  in  Measles. 

The  above  treatment  will  in  most  cases  cause  the  Meas- 
les to  strike  out  in  due  time.  But  should  the  above  mild 
means  fail  to  bring  the  eruptions  to  the  surface,  and  the 
fever  is  high,  bleeding  will  be  necessary^  and  a  purge,  of 
castor  oil  or  cream  of  tartar  will  also  be  necessary.  ]t 
there  is  an  inclination  to  puke,  an  emetic  will  not  be  im- 
proper. After  bleeding  and  puking,  if  the  occasion  re- 
quires, let  the  patient  sit  over  a  steam  of  ceder  tops,  and 
drink  ireely  of  a  tea  of  the  same;  bathe  the  feet  frequently 
in  warm  water;  continue  this -course  until  the  eruptions 
make  their  a ppearance  on  the  skin.  When  the  cough  i& 
severe,  and  the  throat  very  sore,  suck  the  steam  of  hot  wa- 
ter or  vinegar  from  the  spout  of  a  coffee  pot.  Cold  drinks 
must  not  be  indulged  in,  warm  sage,  balm,  hysop,  or  pen- 
nyroyal tea  will  be  proper  for  their  drinks.  Spirituous  li- 
quors must  not  be  used  in  this  disease  under  any  circum- 
stances, unless  it  is  at  the  commencement  of  mild  attacks.. 
When  the  throat  swells  and  inflames,  treat  it  as  directed 
for  malignant  sore  throat.  After  the  abatement  of  the  in- 
flammatory symptoms,  if  the  patient  is  very  weak,  give 
ionics  to  increase  the  strength  of  the  system. 


134  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

MUMPS — (Te-le-g-nah-tsi-hihho-tii-say.) 

Symptoms. — It  usually  commences  with  a  slight  fevei% 
head  ache,  a  stiffness  of  the  neck,  and  a  swelling  under  the 
lower  jaw,  on  one  or  both  sides.  On  attempting  to  swat- 
low  a  severe  pain  is  felt  precisely  at  the  point  of  the  lower 
jaw,  and  extending  to  the  ear;  the  swelling  increases,  and 
by  the  fourth  or  fifth  day,  the  part  is  greatly  swelled. 

In  some  instances,  the  color  is  but  little  changed;  in  oth- 
ers, the  skin  assumes  a  red  appearance — about  the  fifth  or 
sixth  day,  the  swelling  begins  to  subside,  and  by  the  sev- 
enth or  eighth  day,  the  swelling  is  nearly  gone.  If  cold 
has  heen  taken,  during  the  above  symptoms,  the  swelling 
as  it  leaves  the  jaws,  is  apt  to  settle  in  the  testicles,  if  the 
patient  be  a  male,  and  in  the  breasts,  if  a  female.  It  is  in- 
fectious, but  I  believe,  it  never  attacks  the  same  individual 
but  once.  Some  writers  assert  that  it  has  been  known  to 
occur  in  the  same  individual  more  than  once;  others  say 
that  it  will,  in  some  instances,  affect  one  side,  and  at  some 
future  period,  when  the  disease  prevails,  the  other  side  may 
be  affected.  But  as  neither  of  these  latter  cases  has  ever 
come  within  my  own  knowledge,  I  am  unable  to  say  any 
thing  in  reference  to  the  correctness  or  incorrectness  of 
these  statements. 

Treatment. — The  bowels  should  be  opened  by  the  use 
of  castor  oil,  cream  of  tartar,  American  senna  or  someothr 
•  er  mild  cathartic,  aided  by  injections,  if  necessary,  arid  a- 
void  exposure  to  cold,  such  as  damp  or  cold  air,  wet  or 
damp  feet,  damp  clothes,  &c.  Flannel  should  be  kept  a- 
round  the  jaws,  to  prevent  exposure  to  the  atmosphere* — if 
this  is  not  at  hand,  a  thin  bit  of  wool  will  answer,  equally 
well.  5t  should  be  confined  around  the  jaws  by  means  of 
a  handkerchief.  If  the  jaws  become  very  painful,  apply  a 
plaster  made  as  follows.  Put  beeswax  into  an  oven  of 
warm  water,  and  when  the  wax  is  melted,  take  a  cloth 
large  enough  to  cover  the  swelling  in  the  lower  jaws  as 
the  case  may  be:  dip  the  cloth  into  the  oven,  and  when  ta- 
ken out  the  wax  will  adhere  to  the  cloth;  apply  this  to  the 
swelling  as  warm  as  can  be  borne.  If  this  does  not  abate 
the  swelling  in  two  days,  apply  a  plaster  made  in  the  a- 
bove  manner  of  bees-wax,  tallow  and  red  pepper.  A  free 
use  of  diaphoretic  or  sweating  teas  will  be  found  highly 
beneficial.     Such  as  pennyroyal,  hysop,  dittany,  &c.  &c- 


lNt)IAN*GUIDE  T6  HEALTH.  135 

BURNS  AND  SCALDS.— [Q&ne-log-yef-mk.-] 
These  painful  accidents  are  often  the  offspring  of  negli- 
"  gence,  and  when  first  received,  are  very  painful.  It  is  ve- 
ry desirable,  therefore,  to  have  a  remedy  at  hand,  that 
will  at  once  relieve  the  pain  and  extract  the  fire.  Nature, 
in  her  libera]  dispensations  of  blessings  on  madkind,  has 
not  failed  to  provide  a  soothing  and  effectual  remedy  for 
this  painful  emergency.  On  receiving  a  scald  or  burn, 
immediately  plunge  the  part  into  cold  water,  and  keep  it 
there  until  the  fire  is  extracted,  which  may  be  easily 
known  by  taking  it  out  of  the  water,  if  the  fire  be  not  out 
it  will  smart  and  pain  you  as  a  burn  does,  as  soon  as  it  is 
out  of  the  water  and  exposed  to  the  atmosphere;  but  if  the 
fire  is  out,  no  such  pain  will  be  felt.  If  the  burn  or  scald 
is  so  situated  that  you  cannot  immerse  it  in  water,  imme- 
diately exclude  the  atmosphere  by  means  of  cloths,  which 
should  be  several  piles  thick  over  the  bum,  and  keep  them 
wet  by  pouring  cold  water  on  them;  the  air  should  be  ex- 
cluded twelve  hours  by  means  of  the  cloths,  which  should 
be  kept  wet  with  cold  water.  '  If  this  is  properly  attended 
to,  as  soon  as  the  scald  or  burn  is  received,  it  will  in  nine 
cases  out  often  prevent  it  from  blistering,  and  consequent- 
ly prevent  the  formation  of  a  sore  or  ulcer  from  the  burn. 
To-prevent  the  patient  from  taking  cold  from  the  applica- 
tion of  cold  water;  let  him  drink  pepper  or  some  other 
sweating  tea  freely,  or  warm  toddy,  will  answer  equally 
well.  To  small  burns,  where  the  skin  is  broken,  apply  a 
salve  made  by  stewing  equal  quantities  of  pulverized  bark 
of  elder,  and  the  white  part  of  hen  dung  in  hog's  lard. — 
Where  a  person  is  badly  burnt  on  the  body,  kill  a  cow 
brute,  and  cut  it  open  as  soon  as  possible;  the  maw  or 
paunch  should  be  opened  also;  the  patient  should  be  put 
in  it  as  soon  as  possible,  and  remain  there  until  the  animal 
becomes  cool,  then  take  him  out  and  wash  him  off  with 
cold  water,  and  dress  the  wound  with  healing  salve,  and 
wrap  him  in  comfortable  cloths.  The  patient  should  drink 
freely  of  some  sweating  tea  and  warm  toddy,  to  keep  up 
the  internal  heat,  and  if  possible  produce  a  determination, 
to  the  surface,  or  in  other  words  sweating.  If  the  bum 
should  produce  a  chill,  drink  freely  of  sage,  balm  or  pep- 
'  per  tea  while  the  chill  continues.  Then  take  antibillious 
pills  to  evacuate  the  cdhtents  of1  the  bowels  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible, at  the  same  time  treating  the  wound  as  above  drrec- 


1,36  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

ted.  I  was,  says  Dr.  Foreman,  "called  upon  to  attend  a. 
boy  whose  body  was  so  badly!  burned  as  to  render  the* 
motionof  the  abdominal  viscera,  (which  means  the  intes- 
tines or  guts)  very  visible  through  the  thin  membrance 
which  covered  them.  This  case  was  thought  to  be  be- 
yond the  reach  of  remedies,  by  all  who  saw  it.  I  had  a 
cow  brute  slain  immediately,  and  the  boy  put  in  it,  while 
it  was  warm  and  bleeding;  when  it  became  cool,  he  was 
taken  out,  and  treated  as  above  directed.  He  lived  and 
recovered  in  a  short  time.  This  is  the  most  horrible  and 
alarming  burn  I  have  ever  had,  and  the  only  one  in  which 
I  resorted  to  that  mode  of  treatment.  But  it  has  been  the 
custom  of  m3r  people,  (the  Indians,)  for  many  years,  and 
has  been  attended  with  admirable  success.  Dr.  Gunn 
mentions  Turner's  cerate,  as  being  one  of  the  most  sooth- 
ing applications  that  can  be  made  to  a  bad  burn  on  the 
body.  I  have  never  tried  it  myself,  but  feel  disposed  to 
place  implicit  confidence  in  the  statement  of  this  gentle- 
man, he  being  a  very  successful  physician  of  the  old  school, 
It  is  easily  prepared,  and  if  it  is  possessed  of  the  active 
medical  virtues  ascribed  to  it.  by  Dr.  Gunn,  it  should  be 
kept  in  every  family  for  immediate  application.  The  In- 
dex will  refer  you  to  its  proper  head,  where  may  be  seen 
the  manner  of  preparing  and  using  this  valuable  salve. 

FRACTURES  AND  DISLOCATIONS. 

[Oo-?iah~tuh-log-sah.~] 

When  a  joint  is  dislocated  or  a  bone  fractured,  apply 
cloths  wrung  out  of  a  tea  of  ivy  as  hot  as  the  patient  can 
bear,  the  vessel  containing  tea  should  be  set  neat  and 
the  tea  kept  constantly  pouring  on  the  cloths  for  fifteen  or 
twenty  minutes— if  the  ivy  is  not  at  hand,  hot  water  will 
answer — then  take  the  cloths  off,  and  if  it  is  a  dislocation, 
pull  the  limb  steadily  until  it  returns  to  its  proper  place, 
after  which  pour  cold  water  on  the  joint  for  a  minute  or 
tWo  in  order  to  prevent  a  second  dislocation.  If  the  joint 
should  be  painful  apply  brown  paper  wet  with  vinegar  or 
camphor,  or  a  poultice  of  sprain- weed.  In  case  of  frac- 
tures or  broken  bones,  when  the  cloths  are  taken  off,  thd 
bone  or  bones  should  be  placed  in  their  proper  situation  by 
some  skillful  person,  and  confined  to  their  place  by  splints. 
Kit  is  the  leg  or  thigh  bone,  it  should  be  laid  on  a  box, 
and  secured  by  bats  of  cotton,  and  the  foot  kept  nearly 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  137 

level  with  the  knee.  The  bandage  which  confines  the 
splints  should  not  be  drawn  too  tight,  as  is  the  custom  with 
many  persons  who  profess  to  understand  replacing  and; 
bandaging  broken  bones,  this  obstructs  the  circulation  and' 
greatly  retards  nature  in  effecting  a  cure.  After  it  is 
splintered  apply  a  poultice  of  sprain-weed  or  young  elder 
root  pounded  fine  and  mixed  with  cold  water  and  wheat 
bran  to  the  consistency  of  a  poultice;  the  part  should  also 
be  wet  frequently  with  cold  vinegar  or  camphor.  The 
splints  may  be  taken  off  after  the  fifth  day,  once  every  day 
by  some  careful  person  and  the  limb  held  with  great  care 
in  the  hands  in  order  to  give  the  patient  some  rest,  and 
again  put  on.  This  must,  however,  be  done  with  the 
greatest  caution  imaginable,  as  the  bone  will  not  re-unite 
until  between  the  ninth  and  twelfth  day,  the  splints  should 
not  remain  off  before  the  fifteenth  day. 


WOUNDS  AND  CUTS—  (Oo-nah-tah-leh-ger.) 

Most  ordinary  cuts  require  but  little  attention,  except 
binding  up  with  a  cloth  or  bandage,  and  occasionally  wet- 
ting the  cloth  with  cold  water,  until  it  begins  to  matter; 
then  apply  healing  salve.  If  inflammation  should  take 
place,  reduce  it  with  a  poultice  of  beach%  dog- wood,  or  . 
either  kind  of  oak-bark;  or  tar  plaster  will  in  most  instan- 
ces effect  a  speedy  cure,  without  other  remedies.  But 
when  the  cut  is  large  and  bleeds  freely,  wash  off  the  blood* 
with  cold  water,  cleansing  the  wound  of  all  dirt  or  filth, 
then  draw  the  edges  of  the  cut  together,  and  bind  it  up 
carefully,  and  occasionally  pour  cold  water  on  it;  this 
should  be  done  as  often  as  it  feels  hot.  The  patient  should 
at  the  same  time  drink  some  sweating  tea  :  if  the  blood 
should  flow  rapidly,  use  styptics.  If  the  incision  or  cut  be 
very  large,  it  will  be  necessary  to  confine  the  edges  togeth- 
er with  a  few  stitches,  or  bythe  application  of  an  adhesive? 
plaster.  When  large  arteries  are  wounded,  and  the  blee- 
ding cannot  be  stopped  by  styptics,  a  ligature  is. necessary 
for  this  purpose;  prepare  a  cushion  or  roll  up  a  handker- 
chief in  the  form  of  a  cushion^  and  place  it  on  the  artery 
above  the  wound;  then  draw.a  ligature  around  the  eush- 
ipn  and  limb,,  tight  enough  to^stop  the  blood,  then  tie  the 
artery.  It  may  be  readily  k|jpwn  when  an  artery  is  woun- 
ded by  the  blood,  which  does  not  flow  in  a  continual 
stream,  but  by  spirts.     Bleeding  is  often  stopped  by  mis- 


138  INDfAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

ing  the  wound  above  the  heart  or  head,  bi'nding  it  up 
tight,  and  pouring  cold  water  on  it  freely.  If  the  wound 
inflames,  apply  poultices  to  reduce  the  inflammation. 


HOOPING-COUGH. 

All  persons  who  have  never  had  this  complaint  are  li- 
able to  it.  It  attacks  but  once  through  life,  and  is  conta- 
gious, or  catching,  and  epidemic. 

Symptoms. — It  begins  nearly  like  a  slight  cold,  but  is  at- 
tended with  more  weakness,  head-ache,  hard  breathing, 
sneezing,  hoarseness,  with  a  little  cough,  which  gradual- 
ly increases  until  the  face  becomes  bloated  and  turns  pur- 
ple, the  eyes  swell  and  become  prominent. 

Treatment.— -Keep  the  bowels  regulated  by  mild  and 
cooling  purges,  and  give  a  tea  of  Gulsay-tse-e-you-see. — 
(See  proper  head,) — where  it  is  fully  described.  A  little 
laudanum  or  paregoric  given  at  bed  time,  will  not  be  "ft- 
uiiss  in  severe  cases. 


PART  III -CHAPTER  1. 


DISEASES  PECULIAR  TO  THE  UNIMPREGNATlD 

STATE. 

Previous  to  the  age  of  puberty,  the  femals  is  scarcely 
subject  to  any  disease  not  common  to  both  sexes,' but 
when  that  period  arrives,  they  are  not  only  liable  to  all 
the  ordinary  diseases  to  which  men  are  exposed,  but  in 
consequence  of  their  sexual  organization,  they  are  also 
subject  to  many  diseases  peculiar  to  themselves.  "The  or- 
ganic machine  in  women  is  >more  complex  than  in  men, 
and  the  functions  performed  by  these  organs  are  easily  de- 
ranged, from  which  diseases  of  an  inveterate  and  danger- 
ous character  often  arise.  Woman  is  liable  to  painful  ir- 
regularities in  her  menstrual  discharges,  which  may  not 
produce  ill  health  at  the  time,  but  lays  the  foundation  of 
lasting  and  dangerous  diseases.  These  irregularities  must 
be  early  and  properly  treated,  or  they  will  involve  the  gen- 
eral health,  ruin  the  constitution,  and  bring  on  dropsy, 
consumption,  or  some  other  fatal  disease.  After  puberty, 
almost  every  stage  of  female  existence  is  subject  to  some 
complaints  peculiar  to  itself,  as  well  as  to  those  diseases 
common  to  all.  These  will  be  treated  of  under  their  prop- 
er heads. 


SECTION    1, 

MENSTRUATION. 

Menstruation  is  that  periodical  discharge  which  takes 
place  from  the  womb,  commonly  called  menses  or  courses. 
The  term  Menses  is  derived  from  the  Latin  word  vicnsist 
which  signifies  a  month,  because  in  healthy  women,  who 
are  neither  pregnant  nor  giving  suck,  this  discharge  gen- 

•  erally  flows  regularly  at  intervals  of  a  lunar  month,  or  a- 
bout  twenty  eight  days.  ^With  some,  the  intervals  are  a 
day  or  two  longer,  whilst  with  others,  it  is  a  day  or  two 
shorter. 

The  period  at  which  Menstruation  commences,  depends 

vvery  much'  upon  the  climate,  constitution,  and  mode  of 
life.  In  warm  climates,  the  menses  often  appear  at  eight 
or  nine  years  of  age.  Intemperate  climates,  they  gener- 
ally make  their  appearance  at. from  twelve  to  fourteen,' 
and  in  cold  climates,  they  do  not  appear  until  the  eigh- 
teenth or  twentieth '  year,  and  even  twenty-fifth  year.— 


HO  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

There  will  also  be  a  difference  even  in  the  same  climate 
m  to  the  time  of  Menstruation,  which  depend  upon 
the  constitution  and  passions.  Those  who  have  a  rapid 
growth  of  body  and  development  of  the  organs,  with  warm 
passions,  will  have  an  earlier  discharge  of  the  Menses 
than  those  who  are  different  in  these  respects. 

The  time  required  for  the  Menstrual  purgation,  at  each 
periodical  return,  is  from  three  to  six  days.  The  Menstru- 
al fluid  appears  to  be  a  regular  secretion  from  the  womb, 
which  in  its  appearance  very  much  resembles  blood,  and 
its  regular  discharge,  at  the  proper  intervals,  are  impor- 
tant- to  the  health  of  a  woman,  from  the  time  of  its  appear- 
ance until  the  age  at  which  it  should  entirely  cease,  ex- 
cept during  pregnancy,  and  during  the  period  of  giving 
suck. 

The  period  during  which  the  menses  continue,  until  they 
coase  entirely,  varies  according  to  the  time  of  their  com* 
meiieement, — the  time  being  generally  about  double  that 
which  elapse  previous  to  their  commencement.  When- 
ever the  menstrual  discharge  makes  its  first  appearance, 
it  announcers  puberty,  and  not  maturity  of  the  generative 
organs,  which  renders  them  capable  of  performing  the 
functions  for  which  they  were  created;  and  when  this  dis- 
charge ceases,  or  leaves  off  entirely,  it  announces  the  ina- 
bility of  the  generative  organs  to  perform  their  peculiar 
functions.  Both  these  periods  are  critical  with  women, 
and  much  depends  upon  the  precautions  in  avoiding  expo- 
sure to  cold  and  wet,  or  overstraining  in  lifting,  working, 
6ce.  Many  girls  have  their  discharges  without  inconven- 
ience, while  others  suffer  considerably  when  the  period 
is  about  to  come  on;  such  as  great  restlessness,  slight  fe- 
ver, head-ache,  heavy  dull  pain  in  the  small  of  the  back 
and  lower  part  of  the  abdomen,  swelled  and  hardened 
breasts,  &c.  The  appetite  becomes  delicate,  the  limbs 
tremble  and  feel  weak,  the  face  becomes  pale,  and  there  is 
a  peculiar  dark  streak  or  shade  under  the  eyes.  When 
these  symptoms  and  feelings  occur,  every  possible  care 
should  be  taken  to  avoid  cold,  damp,  &c,  and  everything 
should  be  done  which  would  assist  nature  in  bringing  for- 
ward this  discharge.,  This  is  a  critical  periodjof  life,  and 
•much indeed  depends  upon  the  result.  The  greatest  pos- 
sible precautions;  should  be  used  to  prevent  the  girl  from 
S&kingcold  at  thistimg,  because,  by  .very  slight   exposure. 


INDIAN  GUIDfi  TO  H'EALTft  Wl 

fiature  may  be  prevented  from  performing  this  Very  impor- 
tant office;  by  the  failure  oi  which,  some  of  the   most  fatal 
female  diseases  are  produced.     Exercise  should  be  taken 
on  horseback,  or  indeed  any  exercise  that  will  give  free 
'circulation  to  the  blood.     The  emotions  and  passions  of 
the  mind,  ought  to  be  particularly  attended  to;  a  cheerful 
disposition     should     be    produced    and    kept    up;     and 
every  effort  should  be  made  to  banish  grief,  despondency, 
or  any  of  the  depressing   passions,  which  if  indulged  in, 
will  net  fail  to  have  a   poweriul  effect   in  preventing  ihe 
due  discharge  of  the  menses,  or  courses.     About  this  time 
of  life,  girls  should  not  be  allowed  to  get  wet,  wear   damp 
clothes,  sleep  on  damp  beds,  walk  in  grass  wet  with  dew 
•or  rain,  nor  walk  bare  foot  on  cold  or  wet  ground.     You 
should  also  avoid  everything  that  will  have  a  tendency  to 
injure  the  digestive  powers,  and  particularly  costiveness, 
'or  being  bound  in  the  bowels,  loss  of  sleep,  exposure  of  any 
kind,  tight  lacing,  &c.     When  the  first  symptoms  of  men- 
ses make  their  appearance  on  young  girls,  they  should  use 
all  mild  and  gentle  methods  of  courting  nature  to  the  per- 
formance of  her  office,  by  sitting  over  the  steam  of  warm 
herbs,  bathing  their  feet  and  legs  in  warm   water  as  high 
as  the  knees,  and  drinking  of  warm  pennyroaltea.    These 
means  should  be  used  immediately  befors  going  to  bed,  so 
that  a  gentle  moisture  or  sweat  may  be  produced  on  the 
skin,  which  generally  causes  the  menses  to   flow.     A  lit- 
tie  care  and    attention  en  the    part  of  the  parent  at  this 
period,  may  be  of  lasting  benefit. 

The  menstrual  discharges  on  their  first  appearance,  ar-e 
generally  in  very  small  quantities  and  somewhat  irregular* 
as  to  time,  but  by  attending  to  the  simple  course  which  I 
have  laid  down,  they  will  gradually  increase  and  flow 
monthly. 


RETENTION  OF  THE  MENSES. 
(Tsa-his-lee-ah-nah-tah-gah-ta-gee.) 

By  retention  of  the  Menses,  is  meant  the  retaining  oi* 
keeping  of  the  menstrual  fluid,  after  the  period  of  life  has 
arrived  when  this  discharge  should  take  place. 

When  girls  arrive  at  the  age  of  puberty,  the  menetraaj 


142  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

purgation  is  essential  to  their  health,  and  if  it  does  not 
take  place,  there  will  be  headache,  loss  of  appetite,  weak- 
ness of  the  limbs,  a  peculiar  paleness  of  the  face,  accom- 
panied with  a  sinking  of  the  spirits,  hysterical  affections 
and  other  derangements  of  the  general  health.  When  girls 
have  arrived  at  the  age  when  this  discharge  should  ap- 
pear, nature  generally  gives  an  indication  of  the  by-pains 
in  the  back,  hips  and  loins,  a  sensation  of  weight,  fullness 
and  heat  in  the  pelvis,  attended  with  a  forcing  or  heaving 
down.*  If  no  discharge  takes  place,  these  symptoms  some- 
times occur  periodically,  until  continued  bad  health  is  pro- 
duced, and  will  ultimately  seat  some  fatal  disease,  if  not 
counteracted  by  the  aid  of  remedies  and  prudent  manage- 
ment. 

Treatment. — The  vegetable  kingdom  affords  many  val- 
uable articles  for  this  painful  and  extremely  dangerous 
eomplaint,  as  is  fully  shown  in  Materia  Medica.  By  re- 
ferring to  that  part  of  this  work,  the  reader  will  find  a  full 
description  of  many  valuable  roots  and  herbs  for  this  dis- 
ease. 

The.  patient  should  take  exercise  in  the  open  air  in  fair 
weather,  but  she  must  carefully  avoid  damp  air,  night  air, 
walking  in  dew,  or  going  barefoot  in  cold  or  wet  places; 
exercise  on  horseback  would  be  best.  She  should  keep 
the  .bowels  regulated  by  the  use  of  mild  and  cooling  pur- 
ges„bathe  her  feet  frequently  with  warm  water,  and  drink 
freely  of  some  diaphoretic  orsweating  tea,  just  before  going 
to  bed.  She  should  also  drink  daily  of  bitters,  composed 
of  ginger  root,  star  root,  rattle  root,,  Sampson  snake  root, 
wi,ld  cucumber  bark,  or  common  tansyl  The  above  roots 
and  barks  may  be  used  alone,  or  several  of  them  together 
in;  spirits,  as  the  patient  may  prefer. 


SECTION 

IMPERFORATION  OF  THE' HYMEN. 

The  Hymen  is  a  thin  membrane,  found  at  the  mouth 
of  the  vagina,  and,  in  general,  it  partly  closes  the  entrance 
of  the  vagina.  Some  instances  have  occurred,  in  which  it 
entirely  closed  the  vagina,  and  was  so  strong  as  not  to  give 
way  at  the  proper  time,  for  the  commencement  of  the 
monthly  courses  or  menses;  in  which  case,  it  must  pro- 
due^  at  no'  mature  age,  serious,  and  unless  removed,  fatal  \ 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  14£ 

consequences.     An  imperforation  of  the  Hymen;  is  atten- 
ded with  no  inconvenience,  until  the   monthly   purgations  , 
should  take  place.     If  this  membrane  be  imperforated,  and 
the  menstrual  fluid  being  regularly  secreted,  must   accu- 
mulate, both  in  the  vagina  and  the  womb,  as  it  can  find  no 
outlet  through  the  Hymen.     In  some  intances  the  quan- 
tity accumulated  has  been  so   great  as  to  subject  the  un- 
fortunate sufferer  t<5  the  suspicion  of  being  pregnant.     At 
each  return  of  the  menstrual  period,  considerable  pain   is 
experienced  by  the  patient,  and  as  these  pains  greatly  re- 
semble those  of  labor,  in  cases  where  the  enlargement  of., 
the  abdomen  was  considerable,  they  have  been   mistaken 
for  labor.     After  these  pains  continue  for  some  time,  they  . 
cease,  and  do  not  recur  until  the  return  of   another  men-  . 
strual  period. 

When  the  menstrual  fluid  has  been  contained,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  imperforate  state  of  the  hymen,  it  assumes  a 
dark  tarry  appearance,  and  unless  its  evacuation  be  pro- 
cured by  opening  a  passage  through  the  hymen,  serious 
injury  to  the  health  will  be  sustained,  or  some  fatal  disease 
produced. 

The  only  means  of  removing  the  difficulty,  is  by  ma- 
king an  artificial  perforation  or  opening,  through  the  mem- 
brane. This  operation  is  quite  simple,  and  may  be  per- 
formed by  any  sensible  female  friend,  with  a  lancet. — 
Care  should  be  taken  not  to  cut  any  of  the  contiguous 
parts,  and  no  particular  danger  is  to  be  apprehended  from P, 
the  operation,  nor  is  it  attended  with  much  pain,  as  the, 
membrane  does  not  possess  great  sensibility. 


SECTION  IV. 

SUPPRESSED  OR  OBSTRUCTED  MENSES. 

(Tsa-i/oh-tus-let-ah-a-ih-iah-gak-ta-gee.) 

When  the  menses  have  made  their  appearance, ,  they 
are  liable  to  be  obstructed  by  cold,  &c,  this  is  called  sup- 
pressed or  obstructed  menses,  and  is  attended  with  greater 
or  less  misery  according  to  the  state  of  the  system  at  the 
time  this  obstruction  takes  place,  and  more  particularly,, 
if-any  other  part  of  the  body  is  laboring, under  disease*^ 
The  bad  effects  of  taking  cold  do  not  always  show  them- 
selves immediately,  but  they  generally  .become,  manifest^ 


144  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.! 

'  after  the  repeated  return  of  the  period  at  which  the  men- 
strual discharge  should  take  place,  if  the  obstructions  be 
not  removed.  Women  that  are  in  good  health,  may  not 
experience  any  inconvenience  for  some  months,  that  is,  un- 
til the  periodical  returns  shall  have  passed  several  time* 
"without  the  necessary  discharge. 

But  such  is  the  sympathy  existing  between  the  womb 
and  other  parts  of  the  system,  that  the  general  health  will 
be  effected,  and  sometimes  the  most  incurable  diseases  are 
firmly  seated  in  the  system,  by  neglecting  to  remove  the 
obstructions  at  an  early  period.  Hysterics,  depression  of 
spirits,  sickness  of  the  stcmach,  pains  in  the  head,  back 
and  bowels,  coldness  of  the  hands  and  feet,  flashes  of  heat 
over  the  body,  spitting  blood,  bleeding  at  the  nose,  colics,  a 
dry  short  cough,  pains  in  the  abdomen,  a  hard,  quick  pulse, 
a  hot  skin,  and  a  burning  sensation  of  the  palms  of  the 
hands,  and  bottoms  of  the  feet,  are  symptoms  generally 
met  with,  when  the  menstrual  discharge  has  been  obstruc- 
ted long  enough  to  produce  some  disordered  state  of  the 
womb.  When  the  last  above  named  symptoms  occur, 
they  indicate  great  danger  from  the  consumption,  and  un- 
less relief  is  immediately  had,  that  fatal  disease  will  be 
confirmed — negligence  at  tin's  critical  period,  will,  inmost 
■cases,  be  followed  by  fatal  consequences. 

Tr.EATr-iENT. — As  scon  as  it  is  discovered  that  the  month-5 
ly  purgation  is  obstructed,  and  it  is  believed  that  cold  and 
not  pregnancy  is  the  cause,  you  should*  take  measures  t-o 
remove  the  obstruction,  which  is  much  more  easily  done  in 
an  early  stage  than  at  a  more  advanced  period.  About 
the  time  the  menses  should  flow,  the  patient  should  drink 
freely  of  a  tea  of  t.ansey,  dittany,  balm,  rattle-root,  penn}N 
royal  or  seme  sweating  tea.  The  feet  should  be  well  bath- 
ed before  going  to  bead,  and  every  mild  and  gentle  means 
should  be  used  to  produce  perspiration  or  sweat.  If  these 
remedies  should  fail,  the  patient,  should  drink  bitters,  as  di- 
rected for  Retention  of  the  menses.  And  at  each  periodi- 
cal return  when  the  menses  should  flow  she  should  drink 
sweating  teas  and  bathe  her  feet  as  above  directed.  She 
should  also  sit  over  a  steam  of  young  pine  tops,  cedar  top* 
or  spruce  pine  tops;  while  over  the  steam  she  should  take 
a  strong  decoction  of  seneka.  snake-root  and  pleurisy  root 
in  table  spoonful  doses  every  ten  minutes.  When  the  pa- 
tient leaves  the  steamy  she  should  cover  up  warm  in  bed: 


\ 


INDIAN  GUIDE   TO  HEALTH.  H5 

and  continue  drinking  some  sweating  tea  for  a  length  of 
time,  in  order  to  keep  up  a  free  perspiration.  Great  care 
must  be  taken  to  cool  off  by  degrees  after  the  above  course 
as  there  is  danger  to  be  apprehended  from  taking  cold  in 
case  of  neglect.  The  treatment  for  suppressed  or  obstruc- 
ted menses,  and  retention  of  the  menses,  is  nearly  or  quite 
the  same— what  is  good  in  one  case  is  also  good  in  the 
other,  and  either  of  these  complaints  may  be  overcome  by 
mild  and  gentle  means,  in  ninety-nine  cases  out  of  a  hun- 
dred, if  taken  in  due  time  and  perseveringly  attended;  on 
the  other  hand,  negiect  is  invariably  followed  by  serious 
and  sometimes  fatal  consequences.  Where  there  is  irri- 
tation of  the  nerves,  some  of  the  articles  in  the  class  of 
anti-spasmodics  may  be  combined  with  the  bitters  and 
teas,  such  as  the  moccasin-flower  root,  ginseng,  asafcetida 
ifcc. 


•     SECTION  V. 

PAINFUL  MENSTRUATION. 

This  painful  malady  is  often  met  with  in  our  climate, 
and  is  often  not  only  accompanied  with  great  sufferings 
but  is  frequently  obstinate  to  cure.  The  causes  of  this 
complaint,  are  supposed  to  be  taking  cold  during  the  flow 
of  the  menses,  or  shortly  after  abortion. 

The  quantity  of  menstrual  fluid  discharged  is  generally 
small,  and  is  accompanied  with  severe,  bearing  down 
pains,  similar  to  those  of  labor,  the  pains  come  on  at  inte- 
vals,and  continue  until  small  clots  of  blood  are  discharg- 
ed, after  this  discharge  some  ease  is  experienced  until"*, 
fresh  production  of  this  suhstance  is  to  be  expelled  when 
there  is  a  return  of  the  pains.  Women  afflicted  with  this 
complaint  seldom  bear  children  until  cured. 

Treatment.— The  patient  should  first  take  a  dose  of 
anti-bilious  pills  or  some  other  cathartic  to  cleanse  the 
bowels.  About  the  time  the  menstrual  discbarge  is  ex- 
pected, she  should  drink  freely  of  tansev  or  some  worm- 
wood tea,  and  set  over  the  steam  of  young  cedar  jot  pine 
ops;  sweating  teas  should  be  drank  freely  just  before 
going  to  bed;  the  patient  should  also  make  a  daily  use  of 
some  laxative  tonic  in  bitters,  or  some  of  the  preDarations 
recommended  under  the  head  of  bitter  laxative  tonics,  in 
the  dispensatory.     In  many  instances,  bitters  of  Columbo 


146  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO    HEALTH. 

root  ami  Burdock  root  will  answer  admirably  welL  At 
the  time  of  menstruation,  when  .the  pain  is  very  severe,, 
the  patient  may  take  a  teaspoonful  of  paragoric  or  Bate- 
-man's  drops  in  her  tea.  A  tea  of  chamomile,  either  the 
herb  or  flower  is  very  good;  as  is  also  a  tea  of  the  esm- 
mon  garden  marigold  flower,  or  a  tea  of  winter  clover: — 
one  berry. 

SECTION  Tli 

GREEN  SICKNESS. 

When  the  menses  or  courses  have  been  retained  or 
stopped  for  any  length  of  time,  and  the  whole  system  be- 
comes diseased  from  want  of  this  discharge  so  necessary 
to  the  health  of  every  female,  it  terminates  or  ends  fre- 
quently in  what  is  called  ehlorois  or  green  sickness.  In 
this  disease  the  skin  turns  of  a  pale  yellow  or  greenish  hue, 
the  lips  become  pale  or  of  a  purple  color,  the  eyes  have  a 
dark  or  purple  tinge  around  them,  there  is  frequent  sick- 
ness without  knowing  the  cause,  on  making  the  least  exer- 
tion the  heart  palpitates  or  beats,  and  the  Knees  tremble 
— the  cheeks  are  frequently  flushed  as  in  consumption, 
the  mind  is  feeble  and  the  woman  seems  to  lack  the  power 
to  attend  to  her  domestic  affairs,  the  feet  swell  and  the 
whole  system  seems  to  sink  under  great  debility  or  wenk- 
ne&s. 

Treatment. — In  this  disease  the  patient,  labors  under  ex- 
treme debility;  therefore,  tonics  and  strengthening'medi- 
oines  are  required.  If  the  bowels  are  costive,  give  some 
laxative  until  their  condition  is  changed,  as  soon  as  the 
contents  of  the  bowels  have  been  evacuated  by  the-.,  use 
of  laxatives,  commence  giving  the  chalybeate  pill  night 
;uid  morning,  say  two  small  pills  for  a  dose — if  these  pilis 
cannot  be  conveniently  had,  give  iron  or  steel  dust  in  same 
way.  The  patient  should  also  use  the  hepatic  pill  o-nce  a 
day,  two  for  a  dose,  and  drink  bitters  of  siar-root,  eolumbo- 
root,  wild  cherry-tree  bark,  rattle-root,  or  any  of  the  hit- 
ters recommended  for  retention  of  the  menses.  The  pa- 
tient snould  bathe  the  feet,  and  drink  some  sweating  tea, 
every  night  before  going  to  bed.  All  exposure  to  cold, 
damp  and  wet,  must  be  avoided.  The  patient  should 
take  moderate  exercise,  but  avoid  fatigue!  The  diet 
.should  be  such  as  the  stomach  will  easily  digest,  but.  i*t  it 
be  nourishing. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  147 

SECTION  VII. 

PROFUSE  MENSTRUATION. 
[Oh-nc-ta-sha-ne-tsa-ne*yoh-oo-lak.~\ 

The  menstrual  discharge  may  be  too  profuse,  either  from 
m  too  frequent  recurrence,  or  from. the  great  quantity  dis- 
charged, when  recurring  at  the  proper  periods. 

The  causes  are  too  great  a  determination  of  blood  to 
the  womb,  or  in  other  words  too  great  an  action  in  its  ves- 
sels. This  over  quantity,  or  large  discharge,  generally 
fakes  place  in  delicate  women,  particularly  those  who  take 
but  little  exercise,  or  those  who  sit  a  great  deal. 

Treatment.— The  patient  must  -be  kept  cool  and  quiet, 
and  spend  as  much  of  her  time  in  bed  as  possible,  with  her 
head  very  low.  A  decoction  of  cumfrey  root  may  be  used 
to  great  advantage,  it  must  be  drank  cool.  A  tea  of  prin- 
ces feather  queen  of  the  meadow,  and  red  root  are  all  good. 
But  if  these  remedies  should  fail,  give  a  tea  of  a  decoction 
of  Oo-na-tah-cah-tsee-!e-shee.  I  have  never  known  this 
article  to  fail.  Any  astringent  tonic  is  good  in  profuse 
i.ienstruation.  '  After,  temporary  relief  is  obtained,  the 
Chalybeate  pill  or  some  strengthening  medicine  must  be 
used  to  improve  the  general  health. 

SSCTIOJ¥  VII. 

CESSATION.  OF  THE  MENSES. 

Cessation  of  the  menses  or  courses   means  an   entire 
stoppage  of  this  discharge,  or  a  change  of  nature,  when  the 
female  has  arrived  at  than  period,  in  life,  when   these  or- 
gans become  incapable  of  performing  their  peculiar  func- 
tions.  .This  change  usually  takes  place  between  the  forty 
second  and  forty  seventh  year,  though  in  those  of  delicate 
constitution,  it  stops  before  that  period,  and  in  those  of  ro- 
bust constitution,  it  sometimes  continues  later— it  is  a  cri- 
tical and  extremely  dangerous  period  of  a  woman's  life 
and  notwithstanding  thousands  pass  through  it  without' 
-  >     riencing  any  inconvenience;    it  is  a  period  which  re- 
quirc*particular  care  and  attention:     All  exposure  to  cold 
and  damp  must  be  scrupulously  avoided,  and  particularly 
wet  feet,  and  remaining  long  on  the  damp  ground.     Sud" 
den  changes  of  dress  and  every  thing  that  produces  suckL™ 
revolutions  hahe  bodily  system  fronusxfremes  of  heatend    < 


148  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

cold,  and  dampnesg.  But  not  attending  to  the  above  pre- 
cautions, you  will  be  sure  to  lay  the  foundation  of  diseases 
of  a  multiplied  and  stubborn  character,  which  will  be  sure 
to  embitter  and  destroy  the  remainder  of  your  days,  let 
them  be  many  or  few. 

The  cessation  usually  takes  place  gradually.  They 
first  diminish  in  quantity,  and  become  more  irregular,  un- 
til they  return  no  more.  Strict  attention  to  temperance 
and  exercise,  so  as  to  preserve  the  general  health,  and 
promote  the  free  exercise  of  all  the  other  functions  of  the 
body,  is  necessary. 

If  any  disease  should  ensue,  treat  it  according  to  the  di- 
rections laid  down  under  its  proper  head. 


SECTION  IX. 

WHITES  AND  FLOUR  ALBU 8.— (Oo-na-yak.) 

Whites  or  Flour  Albus  is  an  unnatural  and  white  color- 
ed discharge  from  the  birth-place,  and  is  produced  from  va- 
rious causes,  such,  for  instance,  as  the  powers  of  the  womb 
being  impaired  by  severe  labors,  repeated  miscarriages, 
getting  out  of  bed  too  soon  after  child-birth,  or  by  taking 
cold  at  this  time,  or  any  other  time  when  the  menses  are  a- 
bout  coming  on;  this  disease  is  sometimes  brought  on  by  fa- 
tigue, or  weakness  produced  by  general  bad  health.  Wo- 
men of  weakly  and  delicate  constitutions,  sucli  as  take  but 
little  exercise,  and  those  who  have  had  many  children  are 
much  subject  to  flour  albus  or  whites;  in  some  instances, 
this  discharge  makes  its  appearance  monthly,  instead  of 
the  natural  menses  or  courses.  This  is  generally  the  case 
where  the  woman  is  laboring  under  suppression  of  the 
menses  or  some  derangement  of  the  whole  system.  The 
most  aggravated  form  of  this  disease,  and  the  mildest  form 
of  clap  in  females  bear  a  strong  resemblance.  Some  wri- 
ters on  this  subject  say,  that  they  may  be  distinguished  by 
the  discharge  in  clap  producing  a  scalding  and  burning 
sensation,  whereas  no  such  feelings  are  produced  by  the 
discharge  in  Flour  Albus  or  Whites — this,  however,  is  not 
the  case,  for  the  discharge  in  Whites  often  produces  itch- 
ing, uneasiness,  great  heat  and  scalding  of  tne  parts.  In 
clap,  there  is  a  swelling  ol  the  parts  and  the  scalding  sen- 
sations increase  iR  severity  much  faster  than  in  Flour  Al- 
bus. 

The  whites  are  called  by  this  name,  because  the  dis- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  149 

charge  resembles  the  white  of  an  egg.  There  are  several 
stages  of  the  complaint,  and  between  the  mildest  and  se- 
verest form,  if  permitted  to  run  on,  it  will  entirely  destroy 
the  constitution  and  seat  some  incurable  disease  on  the 
system.  The  complexion  will  change  first  to  a  pale  sickly 
color,  and  if  the  disease  is  permitted  to  run  on,  it  will  at  last 
assume  a  sickly,  greenish  hue,  and  the  lips  become  pur- 
ple; at  this  state  seek  for  a  remedy  under  the  general  head 
of  green  sickness. 

Whites  and  green  sickness  are  sometimes  produced  by 
the  falling  of  the  womb.  When  either  of  these  complaints 
is  caused  by  the  falling  of  the  womb,  look  at  page  200  for 
a  remedy. 

Treatment. — The  bowels  should  be  emptied  with  anti- 
bilious  pills,  and  costivenesss  prevented  by  the  occasional 
use  of  the  same  in  small  doses,  or  by  the  use  of  gulvers 
root,  castor  oil  or  cream  of  tartar.  After  the  bowels  have 
been  emptied,  give  the  chalybeate  pill,  night  and  morning, 
two  common  sized  pills  for  a  dose,  and  make  a  constant 
use  of  the  tea  of  Oo-wa-sco-you,  called  by  the  whites  blue 
flag  or  gleet  root,  a  pint  of  this  tea  should  be  drank  each 
day  tolerably  strong.  Particular  attention  should  be  paid 
to  cleanliness  of  the  parts.  They  should  be  washed  fre- 
quently with  warm  water,  and  some  astringent  article  jn- 
jected  up  the  birth-place,  such  as  oak  oose,  brier  root  tea, 
wild  alum  root  tea,  &c. 


I 


150  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH, 

CHAPTER  II. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  PREGNANT  STATE. 

Pregnancy,  though  not  a  disease,  is  often  attended  with 
diseases  peculiar  to  that  state  which  are  very  troublesome. 
The  diseases  commonly  attendant  on  Pregnancy,  are  not 
of  a  very  dangerous  character;  yet  some  of  them  produce 
the  sorest  ills  that  afflict  the  female  race.  "  Many  a  fe- 
male appears  to  have  the  curse  pronounced  upon  Eve  ful- 
ly verylied  in  her  own  case.  Sorrow  marks  her  for  her 
own  from  the  time  gestation  commences  until  the  period 
of  her  deliverance."  But  this  is  not  always  the  case; 
some  women  enjoy  an  unusual  portion  of  health  while  in  a 
state  of  pregnancy,  "but  these  favorites  of  heaven  are  like 
angels  visits,  few  and  far  between."  The  system  during 
pregnancy  experiences  an  increased  susceptibility  of  dis- 
ease. 


SECTION  I. 

'SIGNS  OF   PREGNANCY. 

Young  healthy  women,  whose  monthly  terms  appear  re- 
gular, may  commonly  know  when  they  are  pregnant  by  the 
terms  or  menses  not  returning  at  the  proper  period;  there 
is  often  sickness  and  vomiting,  particularly  of  a  morning; 
it  is  frequently  attended  with  heart-burn  and  sourness  of 
the  stomach,  loss  of.  appetite,  craving  for  food  which  be- 
fore was  disliked,  and  often  a  particular  dislike  to  diets  as 
had  previously  been  held  in  high  esteem.  The  face  be- 
comes pale,  the  features  sharp,  the  waist  grows  more  slim 
and  lank  than  usual  and  continues  so  for  some  time.  The 
breasts  become  more  full  and  the  rose-colored  ring  around 
the  nipple  becomes  darker.  Toothache  is  frequently  an  in- 
dication of  pregnancy.  The  rising  of  the  naval  so  as  to  be- 
come flat  and  smooth  with  the  belly,  may  be  considered  al- 
most a  certain  sign  of  pregnancy. 

During  pregnancy,  some  women  become  peevish  duff., 
and  gloomy,  and  others  are  more  lively  and  agreeable 
than  usual.  The  pulse  during  pregnancy,  is  considerubfv 
quicker  than  common,  and  there  is  frequently  a  dizziness 
•©^swimming  in  the  head.  ;•  Pregnancy  never  does  exist 
"without  some  or  all  of  the  above  named  symptoms^yetlthe 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  151 

most  of  them  may  exist  without  pregnancy,  ^hereisbut 
one  certain  sign  of  pregnancy,  which  is  the  motion  of  the 
■child  felt  by  the  mother,  between  the  end  of  the  third 
month  and  the  beginning  of  the  fifth  the  motion  of  the  child 
can  be  distinctly  felt  by  the  mother,  which  is  called  quick- 
ning,  and  when  quickning  is  felt  it  is  a  certain  sign  of 
Pregnancy. 

SECTION  II 
SICKNESS  OF   THE  STOMACH    AND  VOMITING. 

Very  lew  females  escape  this  distressing  and  common 
attendant  at  the  earlier  stages  of  pregnancy.  If  the  vomi- 
ting is  not  severe,  it  will  do  no  injury,  but  if  it  should  be 
very  severe  and  produce  considerable  debility,  means 
should  be  used  to  lessen  its  severity  or  stop  it  entirely. 

Treatment. — The  bowels  should  be  kept  regulated  by 
the  daily  use  of  laxatives  of  a  coolling  nature,  cream  of 
tartar  will  answer  well  for  this  purpose.  The  gentian 
and  columbo  root  taken  together  or  :  alone  are  excellent, 
they  may  be  taken  in  bitters  if  preferred,  to  which  may  be 
"  -added  the  essence  of  peppermint — or  they  may  be  taken 
"  in  tea  or  a  decoction  and  the  peppermint  added;  it  should 
be  permitted  to  get  cold  before  it  is  drank,  ginger  may  be 
jput  in  the'  bitters  or  decoction,  with  advantage.  If  any 
particularkind  of  food  be  craved  it  should  be  procured,  as 
the  gratification  of  the  capricious  appetite  seldom  fails  in 
diminishing  the  severity  of  the  symptoms.  A  cup  of  gin- 
ger or  mint  tea  will  often  give  relief.  The  principle  rem- 
edy however,  and  the  one  most  to  be  relied  on,  is  keeping 
the  bowels  open  by  cooling  laxatives  and  clysters.  More 
than  halt  the  diseases  which  arise  during  pregnancy,  are 
more  or  less  occasioned  by  a  costive  state  of  the  bowek, 
and  every  pregnant  woman  should  bear  in  mind  the  vast 
necessity  of  keeping  the  bowels  so  regulated  as  to  have  a 
stool  daily,  whenever  she  falls  short  of  this  she  endangers 
her  health. 


SECTION  III. 

'  CRAMP. 
Cramp,  with  some,  is  a,n  early  attendant   syihptom   of 
' "■■  pregnency,  but  it  generally  comes   on   about  the  fourth 
lmontK;  of  'pregnehcy*  it  fe  commonly  most  troublesome  a.% 


152  INDIAN  GU/DE  TO  HEALTH. 

night  while  in  bed.  It  attacks  different  parts  of  the  bodyT 
and  is  generally  most  severe  during  the  latter  stages  of 
pregnancy. 

Treatment.-- When  the  Cramp  comes  on,  get  out  of  bed 
immediately,  stand  a  few  minutes  on  the  coldest  rock  that 
can  be  procured.  This  will  give  present  relief.  To  pre- 
vent its  return,  keep  the  bowels  in  good  order  with  purga- 
tives or  injections,  and  confine  the  flour  of  sulpher  or  pow- 
dered brimstone  around  the  legs  by  means  of  a  garter  or 
belt.  If  the  attacks  are  frequently  and  violent,  in  addition 
to  the  above,  rub  the  parts  with  the  essence  of  pepper,  and 
if  the  patient  be  of  full  habit  draw  a  little  blood. 


SECTION  IV. 

PAIN  IN  THE  HEAD  AND  DROWSINESS. 

Unpleasant  sensations  of  this  kind,  very  frequently  oc- 
cur dining  pregnency;  they  are  in  most  instances  occa- 
sioned by  the  blood  vessels  being  too  full;  but  sometimes 
in  delicate,  weakly  women,  they  arrise  from  an  opposite 
cause,  such  as  a  want  of  a  due  circulation  of  the  blood 
which  induces  debility  or  weakness. 

Treatment. — If  the  woman  thus  afflicted  be  fleshy  and 
strong,  draw  blood  from  the  arm  and  keep  the  bowels  open 
by  the  use  of  some  laxative  medicine,  such  as  anti-bilious 
pills,  castor  oil,  cream  of  tartar,  rheubarb,  &c.  But  if  she 
be  weakly  and  delicate,  bleeding  will  be  highly  improper. 
She  should  take  moderate  exercise,  but  avoid  fatigue  by 
all  means.  The  bowels  should  be  regulated  by  the  use  of 
very  mild  laxatives  or  injections.  She  should  drink  freely 
of  columbo  and  spikenard  bitters,  and  bathe  her  templee 
frequently  with  spirits  in  which  camphor  has  been  dissol- 
ved.    The  warm  bath  is  excellent  in  cases  of  this  kind. 


SECTION  V. 

SWELLED  LEGS. 

This  swelling  is  produced  by  the  weight  of  the  womb 
pressing  on  the  vessels  which  return  the  fluid  from  the 
lower  parts  of  the  body.  The  womb  is  greatly  enlarged 
during  pregnancy,  and  in  the  advanced  stages  of  pregnan- 
cy these  swellings  frequently  give  great  pain. 

Treatment, — Let  the  woman  go  to  bed  and  remain  as 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  153 

quiet  as  possible,  if  she  be  stout  let  her  loose  a  little  blood, 
and  regulate  the  bowels  by  the  use  of  mild  and  cooling 
medicines,  such  as  cream  of  tartar,  rheubard,  &c.  Wo- 
men afflicted  in  this  way  should  spend  as  much  of  their, 
time  in  a  lying  posture  as  convenient.  There  need  be  no 
danger  apprehended  from  thes  swellings,  although  they 
often  prove  troublesome. 


SECTION  VI. 

HEART-BURN. 

Very  few  women  escape  this  distressing  complaint  du- 
ring pregnacy:  it  generally  arises  from  acid  in  the  stom- 
ach. 

Treatment. — If  heart-burn  is  attended  with  sickness  at 
the  stomach  and  a  constant  hawking  up  of  a  tough  phlegm, 
it  will  be  necessary  to  cleanse  the  stomach  with  a  gentle 
emetic,  such  as  ipecac  or  indian  physic.  But  if  it  is  ac- 
companied with  a  hot  sour  taste  in  the  mouth,  and  a  belch- 
ing up  of  sour  water,  it  may  be  relieved  by  the  use  of 
weak  lye  or  lime  water,  or  by  a  tea-spoonful  of  magnesia 
in  a  cup  of  cold  water,  or  it  may  be  eaten  if  preferred. — 
Ground  ginger  is  also  good  for  Heart-Burn;  it  may  be  ta- 
ken in  half  tea-spoonful  doses  as  often  as  necessary  or  the 
roots  may  be  chewed  at  pleasure.  Cinnamon  bark  is  also 
good  for  the  Heart-Burn.  Slippery-elm  bark  powdered 
and  taken  in  cold  water,  is  an  excellent  article  for  this  dis- 
tressing complaint.  Comfrev,  either  the  gardeu  or  wild, 
will  generally  give  speedy  relief.  The  slippery-elm  bark 
and  comf  rey  will  act  as  an  aperient,  and  will  probably  af- 
ford the  most  permanent  relief  of  any  of  the  above  named 
articles,  lor  costiveness  should  be  strictly  avoided  by  per- 
sons afflicted  with  Heart-Burn. 


SECTION  VII. 

CONSTANT  DESIRE  TO  MAKE  WATER. 

This  is  generally  most  troublesome  in  the  latter  months 
of  pregnency,  but  it  is  sometimes  during  the  first  months. 
It  is  owing  to  an  iritable  state  of  the  womb  after  concep- 
tion. 

Treatment. — Light  and  cooling  purgatives,  such  as  anti- 
qilious  pills,  oil,  senna,  rheubarb,  cream  of  tartar.  &c,: 


154  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH, 

gaits  should  never  be  taken  in  this  complaint,  as  ft  has^ 
tendency  to  increase  the  iratability  of  the  partsj  salts  is 
by  no  means  a  good  purge  for  pregnant  females,  it  increas- 
es the  excitement  of  the  parts  and  leaves  the  bowels  in  a 
costive  state.  Warm  clysters  of  slippery-elm  tea,  or  new 
milk  and  water 'thrown  up  the  fundament  three  or  four 
times  a  day,  will  give  great  relief,  and  sitting  over  a  pot 
or  tub  of  water,  every  time  she  wants  to  make  water,  will 
enable  her  to  pass  off  the  urine  with  greater  ease,  it  will 
also  lessen  the  mflamatory  condition  of  the  womb.  ^By 
pursuing  the  above  course  and  avoiding  violent  exercise, 
this  troublesome  Complaint  may  be  mitigated  and  some- 
times entirely  relieved. 


SECTION  VIII. 

STOPPAGE  OR  SUPPRESSION  OF  URINE. 

Stoppage  of  the   urine  is  not  uncommon  in  the  latter 
months  of  pregnancy.     It  is  occasioned  by  the  weight' of 
the  womb  pressing  on  the  neck  of  the  water-bla/Jder;  this 
pressure  prevents  the  water  from   flowing  from  the  blad- 
der at  those  periods  when  nature  requires  the  evacuation. 
1  Treatment. — The  contents  of  the  bowels  must  be  evac- 
uated by  means  of  warm  injections  of  milk  and  water,  or 
slippery-el m  tea.     Apply  cloths  wrung  out  of  warm  water, 
to  the  lowest  part  of  the  abdomen  or  belly.     Let  the  wo- 
man stand  upon  her  feet  and  support  the  weight   of  the 
""  c'hild  with  her  hands,  and  endeavor  to  raise  or  change  the 
'■■  position  of  the  child;  this  often  gives   speedy  relief.     But 
.  if  all  the  above  remedies    should  fail,  resort  must  be  had 
'  immediately  to  a  cathetar.     Instruments  of  this  kind  may 
generally  be  had  at  any  of  the  doctor  shops  and  not  unfre- 
-jQuently  at  the  stores.     For  a  description,  of  the  cathetar 


and  tn'emode  of  using  it,  look  under  that  head. 


SECTION  IX. 

FLOODING. 
■  Flooding,  when  in  a  state  of  pregnancy,  may  always  be 
considered  as  dangerous,  and  requiring  the  immediate  aid 
of  a  skillful  physician.     No  dischSrgi ,M  blood  ever  takes 
,.jti£&ce  from  the  womb  in  astfund  state  of  pregnency,  when- 
ever such  a  discharge  does  take' place  it  is  proof  that  there 
U  something  wrong. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TC>*H£ ALTH,  1 5* 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  this  dangerous  complaint  is 
discovered,  put  the  woman  in  bed,  keep  her  as  cool  as^pos- 
gible,  and  admit  plenty  of  fresh  air,  give  her  nothing 
of  a  heating'nature  either  to  eat  or  drink.  Give  her  a?  tea 
of  Oo-na-stah-lah-cah-stee-le-skee  to  drink  freely,  if  thi« 
cannot  be  had,  turn  to  Materia  Medica,  there  you  will  find 
many  valuable  astringent  tonics  fully  described.  Give 
any  article  of  this  class  freely,  without  the  apprehension 
q1l  dangar  from  their  use. 


SECTION  X. 

FALSE  PAINS. 

Women  are  frequently  troubled  with  pains  which  re- 
semble labor  in  so  many  particulars  as  to  give  great  un- 
easiness. False  pains  may  be  produced  by  costiveness, 
eating  such  articles  of  food  as  produce  wind  in  the  bow- 
els, by  fatigue,  dysentary,  &c.  They  may  be  relieved  by 
regulating  the  diet,  attending  to  the  bowels,  avoiding  ex- 
posure and  fatigue,  and  drinking  freely  of  a  tea  of  mocca- 
sin flower  root,  and  the  leaves  of  the;  English  raspberry. 


SECTION  XL 

ABORTION. 

Abortion  may  take  place  at  any  time  during  gestation 
after  the  fm.t  month,  but  it  frequently  occurs  between  the 
eighth  and  twentieth  week.  After  a  woman  has  onco 
miscarried,  she  is  much  more  liable  to  the  same  accident 
than  before,  and  when  a  habit  of  miscarrying  is  once  form- 
ed, it  is  a  difficult  matter  to  prevent  it.  Abortion  is  gen- 
erally caused  by  sudden  frights,  violent,  fits  of  passion,  ex- 
ternal injuries,  such  as  falls,  blows,  &c,  violent  puking  or 
purging,  oppressive  exercise,  excessive  venery,  or  great 
uneasiness  of  mind.  Aborlion  is  generally  preeeeded  by 
pains  in  the  back,  loins,  and  lower  part,  of  the  abdomen, 
there  will  be  a  looseness  or  softness  of  the  breasts,  and  a 
chilliness  of  the  body.  Slight  discharges  of  blood  will 
take  place  from  the  womb,  which  sometimes  increases  un- 
til it  amounts  to  flooding. 

Treatment. — When  symptoms  of  Abortion  appearwith- 

'  out  a  belief  that  the  child  is  dead,  every  possible   means 

'most  be  used  to  prevent  the  loss  of  the  child.     If  she  ft  as 

,f  fever  and  is  of  full  'habi;,    blood  should  be   drawn,  but  if 


15C  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

■he  be  in  a  cold  state  which  is  generally  the  case,  give 
rtimulating  and  sweating  teas.  Let  cayenne  pepper  be 
ised  freely,  ginger  and  whiskey  stew  is  an  excellent  arti- 
;le  to  warm  the  system.  I  forgot  to  tell  you  when  speak- 
ng  of  flooding,  that  if  the  patient  be  in  a  cold  state, 
warming  teas,  such  as  red  pepper,  ginger  with  spirits  in 
it  will  be  of  great  utility;  but  if  the  patient  has  fever  and 
is  flooding,  eold  applications  should  be  used  in  their  stead. 
The  bowels  should  be  well  attended  to  and  costiveness 
avoided  by  the  use  of  injections,  and  mild  purgatives.  A 
tea  of  eommon  hemp-seed  may  be  used  with  great  advan- 
tage, this  tea  alone  often  prevents  abortion.  Women  who 
are  liable  to  have  discharges  of  blood  from  the  womb  du- 
ring pregnency,  should  make  constant  use  of  spikenard 
and  columbo-root  bitters.  After  symptoms  of  miscarriage, 
the  patient  should  remain  in  bed  for  several  days,  and  as 
ahe  values  her  own  safety  and  the  life  of  her  child  she  is 
to  avoid  all  the  above  named  causes  which  tend  to  prodnce 
accidents  of  this  kind. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH,  157 

CHAPTER  III. 


SECTION  I. 
LABOUR 

Labor  means  the  interval  of  time  between  the  period 
when  the  woman  begins  to  be  delivered  of  her  child,  and? 
her  final  delivery.     Although  Labour  is  an  operation  pure- 
ly natural,  it  is  preceded  by  various  symptoms  which  indi- 
cate its  approach.     A  few  days  previous  to  delivery  there 
is  a  shrinking  of  the  waist,  sometimes  this  does  not   take 
place  until  within  a  few  hours  of  actual  labor.     Pains  are 
next  felt  in  the  back,  loins,  and  a  slimy  matter  is  discharg- 
ed from  the  birth  place,  generally  colored  with  blood. — 
The  pains  are  at  first  short,  and  only  return  after  consider- 
able intervals;  but  they  gradually  increase  in  length  and 
severity,  and  the  intervals  of  ease  are  much  shorter.  There 
is  often   dullness,  sickness  and    vomiting.     To  ascertain 
whether  the  woman  is  in  actual  Labour,  the  midwife  is  to 
introduce  her  finger  to  the  mouth  of  the  womb,   (having 
first  oiled  it  well,)  if  there  is  much  pressure  from  above  on 
the  mouth  of  the  womb,  and  if  it  appears  to  dilate  or  open 
during  the  continuance  of  a  pain,  the  woman  is  in  actual 
Labour.     During  the  first  stages  of  Labor,  nothing  is  to  be 
done  by  the  midwife  only  to  keep  the  mouth  of  the  womb 
in  its  proper  place;  it  is  often  turned  so  far  back  as  to  pro- 
duce much  unnecessary  suffering,  this  is  to  be  done  with 
great  tenderness  on  the  part  of  the  midwife.     The  contents 
of  the  bowels  should  be  evacuated  by  injections  or  a  dose 
of  castor  oil,  the  urine  should  be  passed  off  whenever  she 
feels  the  least  desire  to  evacuate  it.     During  the  stage  of 
Labor  the  woman  is  to  be  kept  quiet,   and  all   rational 
means  employed  to  inspire  courage,  bear  up  the  sinking 
spirits  and  prevent  entire   despondency.     As  the  womb- 
gradually  becomes  more  and  more  dilated  and  the   pains 
become  more  frequent   and  severe,  the  patient  often   be- 
comes impatient  and  dissatisfied  with    every  body  about 
her,  frequently  demanding  help  from  the  midwife.     This  is 
a  Critical  time  and  any  force  on  the  part  of  the  midwife 
may  do  serious  injury.     She  may  lie  in  bed  with  a  pillow 
placed  between  her  knees  so  as  to  keep  them  sufficiently 
wide  for  the    child  to  pass.     When  the  pains  become  se- 
vere and  bear  down  considerably,  if  she  should  desire  to 
be  placed  in  another  position,  her  request  should  certainly 


U3  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

be  granted.  Most  women  prefer  sitting  on  the  knees  of-**-. 
not  her  and  this  is  certainly  the  most  natural  and' easy  po- 
sition. As  the  pains  increase  the  child's  head  descends  ra- 
pidly at  every  bearing  down  pain,  and  soon  fills  the  basin' 
or  pelvis — this  is  called  the  second  stage  of  Labour,  and  it 
is  at  this  time  that  great  support  must  be  given  by  the  mid- 
wife in  pushing  with  the  palm,  or  soft  part  of  the  hand  a- 
gainst  the  percnium,  which  is  that  part  between  the  birth- 
place and -the  fundaments  This  must  be  strictly  attended 
to,  for  it  is  easilv  torn,  and  when  torn  it  can  never  be  rem- 
edied.  The  lacerating  or  tearing  of  this  part  connects  the 
opening  of  the  fundament  and  birth  place,  and  leaves  the 
poor  innocent  sufferer  inxi  most  unpleasant  and  miserable 
conditition  through  life. ,  The  third  stage  of  Labour  com- 
mences at  the  time  the  child's  head  starts  through  the  ex- 
ternal part  of  the  birth-place.  In  this  stage  you  are  to  be 
very  particular  in  supporting  the  percnium.  When  the 
pains  come  on  with  violence  and  rapidity  you  are  to. push 
gently  against  the  perenium  in  a  manner,  rather  to  retard 
than  to' hasten  Labour,  especially  if  thechild's  head  seems 
to  advance  too  fast.  If  it  should  advance  very  slow  at 
this  stage,  the  midwife  may  assist  the  birth  by  taking  bold 
of  each  side  of  the  head  with  her  hands  when  it  is  suffici- 
ently advanced,  and  pulling  gently  during  the  continuance 
of  a  pain.  When  the  head  is  born,  the  mother  will  gene- 
rally have  a  little  rest,  which  should  be  alowed  her — she 
abould  be  soothed  and  cheered  by  the  midwife.  The  hand 
must  still  be  pressed  gently  on  the  perenium,  bearing  it 
somewhat  upwards,  this  pressure  must  be  continued  until 
the  hips  and  thighs  have  passed  the  mouth  of  the  birth- 
place..  When  the  child  is  born,  let  it  and  the  mother  be 
perfectly  quiet  for  a -few  minutes,  taking  the  naval-string 
between  the  finger  and  thumb,  and  so  soon  as  the  pulsa- 
tion in  the  cord  has  ceased,  tie  a  string  firmly  about  three 
inches  from  the  naval,  then  apply  another  tie  about  two 
inches  from  the  first,  still  nearer  the  placenta  or  after- 
birth, then  cut  the  cord  between  the  ties.  The  naval-cord 
must  in  no  instance  be  cut  until  the  breathing  of  the  child 
is  established.  Generally  the  child,  cries  immediately  af- 
ter it  is  born,  but  if  it  does  not,  its  mouth  should  be  cleared 
of  every  thing  that  is  calculated  to  obstruct  breathing. — 
Its  body  should  be  wet  with  spirits,  and  the  naval  cord  stript 
between  the  thumb  and  finger  from  the  mother  to  the  child, 
Ifthese  means  fail,  so  soon  as  the  glacenta  or  after-birth 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  1 09   . 

is  expelled,  place  the  child  in  lukewarm  water  and  giye  an 
Injection,  in  which  put  a  portion,  of  spirits.     If  all   tap  a- 
bove  means  should  fail,  take  the  child,  ta  a  door  or  window 
immersed  in  warm  water  to  the  chin,  and  place  the  after- 
birth on  a  shovel  of  hot  embers,  stripping  the  cord  from  tho  « 
after-birth    to   the   cbild'as    above  directed.   .   When  the 
child's  head  is  born,  the,  midwife  should  ascertain  whether 
the  naval  cord  is  drawn,  about  the  neck  of  the  child.      If 
she  finds  it  drawn  around  the  neck  of  the  child,  she    must 
gently  draw  it  over  from  the  back  of  the  head  Jo  the  face. 
After  the  woman  is  delivered  of  her  child,  the   placenta 
or   after-birth    has  yet    to    come  away.     This   commonly 
takes  place  in  from  five   to  forty-live  minutes  after  th« 
birth  of  the  child.     But,  if  nature  should  not  expel  the  af- 
ter-birth in  the  course  of  fifteeen  minutes,   the  operator 
should  move  the  cord  very  gently,  but.  do  not  pull  it,  the 
patient  may  blow  gently  in    her  hands  and  rub  the  abdo- 
men to  aid  the  contraction  of  the.  womb.     If  these    means 
should  not  cause  the  womb  to  contract  and  expel  the  after- 
burthen  in  the  course  of  an  hour,  you  may  take  the  cord  in  - 
the  left  hand,  and  follow  the  cord  with  the  fourfinger  of  the 
right  hand  up  the  birth-place,  and  if  yon  readily  feel  tho§ 
root,  of  the  cord,  continue  rubbing  the  lower  part  of  the 
belly  with  the  hands,  and  let.  her  continue  blowing  in   her 
hands,  these  means  will  generally  throw  out  the  afier-birth. 
But,  if  you  cannot  '/each  the  after-birth  with  your  finger, 
and  nature  seems  quiet  on  the  subject,  a  further  examina- 
tion is  necessary.     If   the   after-birth  seems  fast  to   the 
womb,  take  a  part  oi'  it  softly  in'o  ihe  fingers  and  press  it 
gently,  Si  iil  rising  the   above  mild  means.     If  this  should 
fail  to  expel  the  after-birth,  you  may  feel  cautiously,  and 
separate  between  the  edges  of  the  afier-birth  and  the  womb, 
any  part;;  which  may  adhere  as  the  womb  gradually  clos- 
es.    When  the  after-birth  is  expelled  and  any  great  dis- 
charge pnsucs,  treat  it  as  directed  under  the  head  flooding. 
But  let  me  here  tell  you  that  more  dangerous  floodings  are 
produced  by  hastening  the  expulsion  of  the  after-burthen 
than  in  any  other  way.     Many  unskillful  midwifes  think 
the  sooner  ihey  can  expel  the  after-birth,  alter  the  birth  of 
the  child,  the  better.     This  is  a  very  erroneous  idea,  and   , 
has  caused  the  death  of  many  a  woman.     As  soon  as  con- 
venient after  delivery,  the  woman  is  to  be  placed  in  a  clean 
dry  be  d,  she  m?.y  take  some  nourishment  such  as  a  cup  of 
t&u  coffee,.,  or  light  penada.     She  should,  not  encourag# 


160  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

conversation,  but  remain  quiet,  and  if  she  feels  disposed  to 
sleep,  she  should  indulge  it ;  her  room  should  be  kept 
comfortable,  if  the  weather  be  warm,  give  her  plenty  fresh 
air,  if  cold,  make  it  comfortably  warm,  and-  do  not  annoy 
her  with  company. 

As  soon  as  convenient,  a  broad  bandage  is  to  be  placed 
round  the  abdomen,  comfortably  tight.  This  bandage  is 
to  be  worn  at  least  one  month.  This  will  prevent  the  wo- 
man from  having  an  ill-shaped  abdomen,  alter  recovery. — 
The  day  followiug  her  delivery,  she  should  take  some 
mild  purge,  such  as  oil,  cream  of  Tartar  or  rhubarb.  If 
she  is  allowed  to  become  costive,  child  bed  fever  may  be 
expected.  After  having  cut  the  naval-cord  as  above  di- 
rected, you  are  to  wash  it  clean  with  warm  water  and 
soap,  and  wipe  it  dry.  The  naval  is  to  be  dressed  by  burn- 
ing a  hole  through  a  fine  cloth  of  several  folds,  greasing 
the  under  side  with  tallow  or  oil,  then  drawing  the  naval 
cord  through  the  hole,  then,  apply  a  bandage  round  the  bel- 
ly comfortably  tight.  In  four  or  five  days,  the  cord  will 
slough  off;  the  naval  should  then  be  anointed  with  an  oint- 
ment made  by  stewing  heart-leaf  root,  or  bearsfoot  root  in 
fresh  butter.  This  ointment  will  soon  remove  the  tender- 
ness. 


SECTION  II. 
UNNATURAL  PRESENTATIONS. 

A  natural  presentation  is  when  the  crown  of  the  head 
presents,  and  the  body  follows  in  a  straight  line.  When 
any  other  part  of  the  child  presents,  it  is  unnatural,  and 
will  produce  difficult  labor,  when  the  membrane  contain- 
ing the  water  has  broke,  the  midwife  can  easily  ascertain 
what  part  of  the  child  presents. 

When  the  feet  present,  she  should  endeavor  to  get  them 
both,  and  ihe  labor  may  be  snffered  to  progress  in  the  natu- 
ral way;  ihe  midwife  may  assist  the  birth  by  gently  draw- 
ing the  child  during  each  pain.  She  should  with  b©fh 
her  hands,  bring  down  the  arms  along  with  the  child — 
When  the  breast  and  arms  are  born  so  far  as  the  shoulders 
if  the  face  of  the  child  be  not  downwards,  it  must  be  turn- 
ed to  that  position,  in  order  to  prevent  its  being  stopped 
by  the  chin  over  the  share  bone;  having  brought  it  to  the 
shoulders,  the  operation  is  to  pull  the  child  forward  during 
ihe  next  pain;  so  that  the  head  may  take  the  place  of  slioul- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  161 

tiers,  and  not  be  stopped  in  the  passage.  The  operator 
must  be  sure,  that  she  has  the  feet  of  but  one  child,  if  there 
he  two  children,  and  she  should  get  the  left  foot  of  one, 
and  the  right  foot  of  the  other,  it  would  prove  fatal  both  to 
the  mother  and  children.  To  ascertain  this,  she  is  to  slide 
her  hand  gently  up  the  leg  and  thigh,  until  she  finds  them 
both  joined  to  one  body,  When  the  breech  presents,  you 
should  endeavor  to  bring  it  feet  foremost  as  above  direct- 
ed. When  the  hands  and  feet  present  together,  the  hips 
of  the  woman  should  be  raised  a  little  higher  than  the 
head  and  shoulders;  and  when  the  mouth  of  the  womb  is 
sufficiently  dilated,  the  hand  is  to  be  introduced  far  enough 
to  reach  the  breast  of  the  child,  which  is  to  be  gentty  thrown 
back  towards  the  bottom  of  the  womb,  leaving  the  feet  in 
in  the  passage,  after  which  the  child  is  to  be  brought  forth 
feet  foremost  as  before  directed.  When  the  hand1  and 
shoulder  presents,  the  operator  should  gently  try  to  push 
back  the  part  and  keep  it  so,  and  in  most  instances  if  prop- 
erly done,  the  pains  will  force  the  head  into  the  pelvis,  and 
bring  the  presentation  to  a  natural  one.  But  if  these 
means  should  fail,  the  feet  are  to  be  searched  for  with  great 
tenderness  and  caution.  Having  found  and  secured  both 
feet,  they  are  to  be  brought  down  by  the  child's  face,  for  if 
brought  down  by  its  back,  it  will  endanger  the  lives  of 
both  mother  and  child.  If  the  woman  is  feeble  and  much 
exhausted,  the  delivery  must  be  aided  and  hastened  by  the 
midwife. 


SECTION  III. 
TWINS. 

Twins  are  generally  smaller  than  other  children;  and 
on  this  account,  their  birth  is  more  rapid,  and  easy  than 
that  of  single  children.  After  the  birth  of  the  first  child, 
it  may  be  easily  ascertained  whether  there  is  ah  b  thei 
child  contained  in  the  womb.  When  there  is  but  one  chiia 
the  womb  diminishes  very  much  in  size  soon  after  the  birii 
of  the  child,  and  the  bowels  which  have  been  kept  out  ol 
their  naturalsituation,  during  the  latter  months  of  nrejr. 
nency,  immediately  get  forward  to  the  fore  part  of  thu 
belly,  and  render  it  soft  and  yielding.  But  where  a  second 
child  remains,  the  womb  does  not  appear  to  diminish  in 
size,  and  the  fore  part  of  the  belly  has  the  same  hardness 
as  before  delivery.     Sometimes  the  pains  advance  rapidly 


162  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

and  the  infant  comes  soon  after  the  first.  In  such  cases, 
all  the  practitioner  has  to  do,  is  to  be  assured  that  the  child 
is  in  the  proper  position,  and  so  conduct  the  extraction  of 
the  afterbirths,  that  no  alarming  discharges  may  follow. — 
When  the  pains  cease,  after  the  birth  of  the  first,  child,  the 
operator  should  not  interfere,  until  the  woman  has  measur- 
ably recovered  from  her  fatigue.,  If  the  pains  do  not  re- 
turn for  the  expulsion  of  the  second  child,  in  the  space  of 
an  hour,  after  the  birth  of  the  first  child;  give  her  a  tea 
of  red  raspberry  leaves,  oneberry  leaves,  or  white  hazel 
leaves  made  pretty  warm  with  red  pepper.  Rub  the  ab- 
domen witli  the  hand,  and  the  womb  will  contract,  and 
bring  a  return  of  the  pains.  The  naval  chord  of  the  first 
is  to  be  tied  as  directed  for  single  children,  securing  the 
chord  to  prevent  it  from  drawing  back.  The  afterbirths,  if 
there  be  two,  will  both  be  expelled  at  once,  after  the  birth 
of  the  last  child.  When  the  first  child  presents  natural, 
which  is  headforemost,  the  second  may  be  expected  to  pre- 
sent feet  foremost  or  in.  some  worse  position,  it  is  to  be 
treated  as  1  have  already  directed  for  the  different  presen- 
tations. 

CHAPTER    IV. 


SECTION  I. 

DISEASES  CONSEQUENT  ON  DELIVERY.. 

AFTER  PAINS. 

These  pains  are  occasioned  by  the  contraction  of  the 
womb,  in  its  exertions  to  expel  the  clots  of  blood  and  secrer 
ti'ons  which  are'  contained  in  the  womb  after  the  birth. — 
When  they  are  not  too  severe,  and  produce  but  little  iii- 
conyenjeiice,  it  will  be  be&t  to  let  them  alone.  But  when 
rhey  become  so  severe  as  to  weary  and  weaken  the  wo- 
man, they  are  to  be  relieved  by  the  use  of  a.  tea  of  red  rasp- 
berry leaves  and  moccasin-flower  icot,,  in  which  put 
a  tea-spoonful  of  the  antispasmodic  tincture  to  each  ha li- 
tea-cupiul:  the  dose  should  be  repeated  as  often  as  circum- 
stances require  it.  Thi:5  treatment  will  often  relieve  flood- 
in";  afier  delivery. 


c 


SECTION  II. 
SOCIAL  DISCHARGES. 

The  discharges,  which  take  place  from  the  womb  and 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.,  103 

Virth>place,  for  several  clays  after  delivery,  are-  termed 
Lochia,  which,  in  English,  means  cleansing.     If  these  dis- 
charges do  not  flow  so  plentifully  as  may  be  expected  or  if 
they  entirely  stop,  no  regard  need  be.  paid  to  this  circum- 
-stance,  if  the  patient  be  otherwise  as  well  as  can  be  wish- 
ed, for  this  evacuation  is  not   only   different  in    different 
women,     but     even    in   the   same    women    in  different 
lyings-in,  from  which  she  recovers  equally  well.     But   if 
they  should  become  scant  or  stop,  and  produce  ill  feelings, 
they  are  to  be  increased  by  the  use  of  warm  stimulating 
teas,  and  sitting  over  the  bitter  herbs.     The  birth-place  is 
to  be  washed  once  or  twice  a   day  with   warm  milk  and 
water,  and  occasionally  thrown  up  the  birth-place.     This 
will  greatly  facilitate  her  recovery,  and  in  many  instances 
it  will  prevent  disease. 


INFLAMED  OR  SWELLED:  BREASTS. 

Inflamed  and  sore  breasts  are  caused  by  cold  settling  in 
them  and  obstructing  the  passage  of  the  milk.. 

Let  the  patient  keep  the  bowels  regular  by  the  use  of 
mild  purgatives,  minding  not  to  use  salts.  She  should 
drink  some  sweating  teas  to  keep  up  a  perspiration,  and 
bathe  the  breast  frequently  in:  a  strong  decoction  of  beach 
leaves  or  bark,  and  apply  a  poultice  made  by'  thikening 
the  above  decoction  with  wheat  brand.  The  face  of  the 
poultice  should  be  smeared  with  fresh  butter,  hog's  lard 
or  some  kind  of  oil,  to  prevent  its  sticking.  A.  beeswax 
plaster  made  as  directed  for-  mumpsy  and  applied  to  the 
breasts,  is  an;  excellent  remedy.  If  you  find  the  above- 
means  will  not  prevent  it  from  coming  to  a  head,  boil  su- 
mac-root bark  in  sweet  milk,  thicken  it  with  flour  and  it 
will  draw  it  to  a  head-as*  speedily  as  necessary;  when  it  is 
perfectly  ripe,,  and  not  before,,  have  it  opened,  and  continue 
the  application  of  the  poultice. 


SECTION  III. 
SORE  NIPPLES. 


Take  red-oak  bark  and  boil  it  until  you  have  a  strong 
decoction,  then  strain  and  continue  boiling  until  it  is  re- 
duced to  the  consistency  of  thick  molasses;  apply  this  ex- 
tract over  the  nipple  in  the  form  of  a  plaster,  and  it  will, 
cure  almost  any  sore  nipple. 


1G4  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEAL  TH, 

SECTION  IV. 

MILK-FEVER. 
In  a  few  days  after  delivery,  the  breasts  become  disten- 
ded with  milk.  There  is  generally  headache,  thirst,  hot, 
dry  skin,  quick  pulse,  &c.  These  feverish  symptoms  are 
ocoasioned  by  the  change  of  the  system  after  delivery,  by 
the  swelling  and  iritation  of  the  breasts  from  the  milk  se- 
creted in  them.  This  feVer  may  be  relieved  by  taking  a 
dose  of  cream  of  tartar  to  evacuate  the  contents  of  the 
bowels  and  cool  the  system,  bathe  the  breasts  with  warm 
water  or  a  tea  of  catnip.  Drink  mild  teas,  such  as  balm, 
sage,  or  hysop,  and  let  the  child  stick  frequently.  Putting 
the  child  to  the  breast  soon  after  it  is  born,  and  continuing 
to  do  so  frequently,  minding  not  to  feed  it,  so  as  to  prevent 
it  from  being  desirous  for  the  breast,  will  often  prevent 
this  fever  entirely. 


SECTION  V. 

SWELLED  LEG. 

This  disorder  may  attack  at  any  time,  from  the  second 
to  the  fourth  Week  after  delivery.  It  is  generally  suppos- 
ed to  arise  from  some  irritating  matter  being  left  in  the 
womb.  It  is  a  complaint  that  seldom  occurs  where  due 
caution  and  cleanliness  are  observed.  The  symptoms, 
dejected  spirits,  general  uneasiness  over  the  system;  thera 
are  succeeded  by  a  pain  inside  of  the  leg,  extending  from 
the  heel  to  the  groin — the  slightest  motion  gives  great  pain. 
There  is  a  slight  pain  about  the  womb,  the  discharges  from 
the  birth-place  become  very  offensive,.  The  pulse  becomes 
quick,  the  skifi  hot,  the  tongue  white,  the  urine  thick.  In 
a  short  time,  the  leg  begins  to  swell  and  the  skin  turns  of 
a  pale  glossy  color,  its  peculiar  appearance  has  given  it 
the  name  of  the  White-Leg. 

Treatment.^—  When  symptoms  of  this  complaint  appear, 
lose  no  time  in  injecting  forcibly  up  the  birth-place  warm 
milk  and  water,  ior  the  purpose  of  cleansing  the  womb  of 
any  irritating  matter  that  may  be  in  it.  If  she  be  costive, 
let  her  use  cream  of  tartar  freely,  or  in  sufficient  quanti- 
ties to  regulate  the  bowels.  Steam  the  leg  over  bitter 
herbs  or  bathe  it  in  a  strong  tea  of  catnip,  after  which, 
bathe  it  with  a  decoction  of  pepper  and  vinegar,  and  keep 

t  wrapped  in  flannel.     This  course  is  to  be  pursued  until 

elief  is  obtained. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  165 

SECTION  VI. 

CHILD-BED-FEVER. 

This  disease  is  technically  termed  puerperal  fever,  and 
it  may  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  fatal  diseases  to 
which  lying-in  women  are  subject.  It  usually  attacks  in' 
a  few  days  after  delivery,  when  it  does  occur.  The  symp- 
toms are,  chilliness,  soreness  about  the  womb,  fever  soon 
follows,  and  generally  ceases  in  a  profuse  sweat,  the  sweat 
soon  dries  up  and  the  skin  becomes  dry  and  burning,  the 
face  is  flushed  the  thirst  great  and  the  tongue  whitish. 
There  is  great  pain  in  the  head  &  back,  sickness  at  the  sto- 
mach, and  sometimes  vomiting.  In  a  short  time  the  belly 
swells,  feels  full  and  becomes  very  painful,  so  much  so, 
that  the  lightest  covering  cannot  be  borne  without  giving 
pain.  In  some  cases  the  bowels  are  quite  loose,  and  in 
others  much  constipated  or  bound.  The  social  discharge* 
cease,  the  milk  dries  up  and  the  breasts  become  flabby. — 
When  this  fever  continues  for  a  time,  it  is  very  apt  to 
change  to  a  typhus  fever.  This  is  marked  by  an  abate- 
ment of  the  infiamatory  symptoms,  the  tongue  and  teeth 
now  become  covered  with  a  dark  brown  coat,  small  sores 
break  out  in  the  mouth  and  throat,  the  breath  smells  bad- 
ly, the  stools  are  dark  and  very  offensive. 

When  Child-Bed  Fever  changes  to  the  Typhus,  refer  to 
the  head  of  Nervous  Fever,  where  you  find  the  proper 
treatment.  The  treatment  in  the  first  stage,  or  in  Child- 
Bed  Fever  properly  so  called,  is  as  follows: 

Treatment, — During  the  cold  stage,  warm  applications 
to  the  feet  will  be  of  service,  she  may  also  drink  warm 
teas,  such  as  balm,  sage,  &c.  When  the  hot  stage  comes 
on  she  is  to  be  bled  from  the  arm.  After  being  bled  she  is 
to  take  a  purge  of  cream  of  tartar,  rheubarb,  senna,  or 
anti-bilious  pills.  If  there  is  sickness  at  the  stomach  it  will 
be  proper  to  empty  the  stomach  with  some  mild  emetic. — 
Apply  a  cloth  wrung  out  of  hot  water  to  the  belly,  and 
inject  warm  milk  and  water  up  the  birth  place  this  will 
lessen  the  pains  and  inflamation,  cloths  wrung  out  of  a 
strong  tea  of  catnip  is  an  excellent  application  over  the 
belly.  When  the  fever  is  on  give  ipecac  every  hour  in 
small  portions,  so  as  to  produce  slight  sickness  at  the  stom- 
ach, and  gentle  moisture  of  the  skin.  Injections  of  slip- 
pery elm  tea  will  be  of  service.  After  the  stomach  and 
bowels  have  been  attended  to  as' above  directed,  give  a 

E 


166  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALffi. 

sweat1 of  senfccka  snake  root  tea,  after  which  let  the  patient 
use  mfid  teas  to  keep  up  a  gentle  perspiration.  At  the 
commencement  of  this  disease  the  diet  must  be  very  light 
and  cooling  but  as  the  disease  advances,  and  she  becomes 
weaker  the  nourishment  should  be  increased. 

The  spirits  of  turpentine  taken  in  table-spoqiiful  doses 
every  morning,  in  a  mucillage  of  peach  tree  gum,  and 
followed  by  a  table-spoonful  of  castor  oil  in  the  evening 
until  ihe  violence  of  these  symptom's  cease,  is  said  to  cure 
this#dangerous  disease,  with  much  more  certainty  than 
blood-letting.  When  the  loss  of  strength  is  great,  from 
purging,  or  from  other  causes  or  if  the  disease  seems  to  be" 
approaching  the  typhus  or  nervous  fever  it  will  be  necessa- 
ry to  support  her  system,  by  the  use  of  good  wine  or  toddy. 
Equal  quantities  of  wild  cherry-tree  bark,  dog-wood  bark 
and  swamp-poplar  bark,  boiled  together  and  the  decoction 
perfectly  cooled,  taken  in  doses  of  a  wine-glassful  three 
or  four  times  a  day,  given  when  the  patient  is  clear  of  fe- 
ver and  weak,  will  be  found  an  excellent  strengthener  of 
the  system. 


COAl'TEB  V. 


FALLING  OF  THE  WOMB. 

This  disease  is  common  both  to  the  pregnant  and  un- 
pregnanted  state.  It  is  brought  on  by  going  about  too 
soon  after  delivery  or  the  monthly  discharge,  before  the 
womb  has  gained  its  usual  tone  and  strength.  It  may  al- 
so be  brought  on  by  jumping,  or  some  violent  exertion 
during  or  soon  after  labor.  The  symptoms  are:  a  sense 
of  bearing  down  pains  in  the  back,  groins  and  privates, 
and  if  the  complaint  is  suffered  to  progress,  the  urine  is  fre- 
quently stopped  by  the  womb  descending  into  the  vagina 
and  pressing  on  the  nock  of  the  bladder.  In  the  worst 
stage  of  1  his  disease,  the  womb  protrudes  beyond  the  mouth 
of  the  vagina  a  considerable  distance. 

Treatment. — In  the  first  stage  of  this  dssease,  or  before 
it  has  protruded  without  the  vagina,  it  may  be  relieved  by 
bathing  the  small  of  the  back  and  lower  part  of  the  abdo- 
men iii  the  essence,  of  red-pepper.  (See  Dispensatory.) 
and  applying  a  strengthening  plaster  to  the  back;  she 
should  bathe  every  twelve  hours.  To  restore  the, general 
Jhealth,  let  her  drink  bitters  of  white  sarsaparilla  and  wild 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  -  l&T 

mercury  in  good  whiskey.     When  it  has  protruded  with- 
out the  vagina  ahd  made  its  appearance,  take  five  pounds 
of  white-oak  bark,  boil  it  in  two  gallons  of  water*  down  to 
three  pints,  then  strain  the  decoction  and  add  three  pints 
of  honey,  mix  it  well  and  simmer  it  a  few  moments  over 
a  slow  fire.     The  womb  must  be  washed  with   casteel 
soap,  and  then  bathed  in  strong  alum  water,  and  then 
anointed  with  the  white-oak  syrup  and  honey.     It  is  to  be 
dressed  in  the  above  manner  every  twelve   hours.     After 
it  has  been  washed  and  dressed  as  above  directed  it  is  to 
be  supported  by  a  bandage  and  cushion.     There  is  to  be  a 
bandage  worn  around  the  body  just  above   the  hips,  and 
'  the  bandage  which  is  to  confine  the  cushion  to  the!  womb, 
is  to  be  fastened  to  this  belt  or  bandage  before  and^ehind. 
The  cushion  should  be  covered  with  a  fine,  soft  cloth  eve- 
ry time  the  womb  is  thus  dressed.     She  is  to  drink  the  same 
bitters  as  directed  in  the   first  stage,  and  bathe  the  abdo- 
men and  back  in  the  same  manner,  and  also  applying  the 
strengthening  plaster  to   the  back.     This  course  is  to  be 
regularly  pursued  until  relief  is  obtained.     The  above  re- 
medies effected  an  entire  cure  where  the  Womb  had  been 
protruded  without  the  vagina  seven  years  and  the  woman 
was  rendered  unable  to  go  about. — The  Womb  returned  to 
Us   proper  place  and  she  recovered  her  health  in  a  few 
months.     The  patient  should  confine  herself  as  much  as 
possible  to  If ing  and  sitting;  she  should  avoid  violent  ex- 
ercise, and,  above  all,  lifting  and"  stooping. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

DISEASES  OF  CHILDREN. 

Many  of  the  diseases  that  children  in  common  with  grown 
persons  are  subject  to,  I  have  described,  and  the  general 
treatment  laid  down  in  the  foregoing  part  of  this  work,  it 
will  therefore  be  unnecessary  for  me  to  enter  into  a  minute 
detail  of  all  the  diseases  to  which  childhood  is  exposed. — 
I  will  confine  myself  principally  to  the  diseases  of  infants, 
and  such  complaints,  among  children  as  have  not- been  pre- 
viously treated  on  in  this  work. 

SECTION  I 
RETENTION  OF,  THE  MECONIUM. 

All  children  at  their  birth'iiave  a  dark  colored  matter  in 


168  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

their  bowels  called  by  phisicians  Meconium.  If  this  mat- 
ter be  not  discharged  in  a  reasonable  time,  it  produces  irri- 
tation and  disease.  Nature  seems  to  have  designed  that 
the  first  milk  drawn  from  the  mother's  breast,  should  so  op- 
erate upon  the  bowels  of  the  infant,  as  to  evacuate  the  of- 
fensive matter  by  stool.  This  is  amply  sufficient  reason, 
I  think,  why  infants  should  be  put  to  the  mother's  breast  as 
early  as  possible  after  birth.  If  the  milk  should  fail  to  ope- 
rate on  the  bowels,  it  will  be  necessary  to  give  some  mild 
cathartic,  sometimes  a  little  molasses  and  water  will  an- 
swer; it  should  be  given  at  intervals,  until  it  operates.  A 
tea  of  rose  leaves  is  very  good,  or  senna  tea  may  be  given^ 
but  if  the  above  simple  remedies  should  fail,  give  castor 
oil,  or  rhubarb;  either  of  these  will  remove  the  meconium. 
Injections  of  cow's  milk  sweetened  with  molasses  or  sugar, 
will  greatly  aid  the  other  remedies  in  cleansing  the  bowels. 


SECTION  II. 

RETENTION  OF  THE  URINE. 

{Oo-ne-te-skay-lie-tsa^yoh-oo-lah.) 

New-born  infants  are  not  unfrequently  afflicted  with 
suppression  of  urine,  and  if  the  difficulty  be  not  removed,  it 
will  in  a  short  time  produce  great  pain,  and  in  many  instan- 
ces, convulsions  which  sometimes  terminate  fatally. — 
Particular  attention  should  be  paid  by  the  nurse,  to  see  if 
the  child  discharges  urine,  in  a  reasonable  time,  and  quan- 
tity, after  its  birth,  and  also  that  it  continue  to  do  so  at 
proper  intervals  afterwards. 

Treatment. — Give  a  tea  of  pumpkin  seeds,  or  water-me- 
lon seeds  sweetened  with  sugar  or  molasses;  it  should  be 
repeated  frequently  until  relief  is  obtained.  The  abdomen 
should  be  bathed  with  warm  water,  and  gently  rubbed,  a 
little  spirits  in  which  camphor  has  been  dissolved,  may  be 
added  to  the  water  intended  for  the  bath,  with  the  happiest 
effects.  Many  valuable  articles  for  suppression  of  the  u- 
rine,  is  named  and  fully  described  in  the  materia  medica, 
in  the  class  of  diuretics,  and  by  turning  to  that  part  of  this 
work,  you  will  doubtless  be  enabled  to  administer  relief  to 
the  little  sufferer  without  delav. 


.  SECTION  III 

SNUFFLES,  OR  STOPPED  NOSE. 
This  stoppage  of  the  nose  is  quite  common  among  young 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  160 

t 

children,  and  is  occasioned  by  cold. 

Open  the  bowejs  with  castor  oil,  or  some  other  mild 
purge,  grease  the  forehead,  and  across  the  nose  with  tallow 
or  sweet  oil,  or  bathe  it  with  warm  vinegar  and  water.  If 
this  does  not  give  relief  in  addition  to  the  above  remedies, 
bathe  it  in  warm  water,  and  after  the  bowels  have  been 
opened,  give  it  a  little  finely  powdered  sulphur,  in  some 
sweating  tea,  such  as  ground  ivy,  penny's  worth  or  some- 
thing similar.  By  this  means,  relief  will  be  obtained,  and 
in  many  instances,  a  severe  attack  of  croup  prevented. 


SECTION  IV. 

SORE  EYES.— (Tsi-loh-nah-ka-wis-kak.) 

Keep  the  bowels  open  with  rose-leaf  tea,  peach-flower 
tea,  or  any  mild  laxative,  and  wash  the  eyes  with  warm 
breast-milk,  or  water  in  which  a  little  borax  has  been  dis- 
solved. Sore  eyes  are  mostly  caused  by  cold  or  derange- 
ment of  the  bowels,  and  by  attending  to  the  above  prescrip- 
tion, and  keeping  the  child  from  taking  cold,  there  will  be 
little  or  no  trouble  with  the  eyes. — Water,  in  which  has; 
been  soaked  the  inner  bark  of  sassafras  or  slippery-elm, 
forms  a  good  wash  for  sore  eyes. 


SECTION  V. 
RED-GUM. 

In  this  disease  small  red  or  yellow  pimples  break  out  on 
the  face,  neck,  and  often  over  the  body,  containing  a  wa- 
tery fluid.  The  child  appears  sore,  and  frequently  screams. 
as  if  pins  were  sticking  in  it,  when  it  is  handled. 

Treatment. — No  outward  application  should  be  mad© 
to  remove  this  eruption,  for  by  so  doing,  you  might  sudden- 
ly drive  it  from  the  surface,  that  is,  strike  it  in,  and  thereby 
deetroy  the  life  of  the  infant.  The  child,  while  afflicted 
with  this  complaint  should  be  kept  from  fresh,  damp  cri- 
coid air.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  open  by  the  use  of 
castor  oil,  senna  or  rhubarb,  and  from  half  to  a  whole  tea- 
spoonful  of  sulpher  should  be  taken  in  sage  or  ground:  ivy 
tea.  The  only  danger  m  this  disease  is  in  driving  it  in, 
when  it  is  driven  in  by  cold,  it  produces  great  restlessness 
and  misery,  and  not  unfrequently  convulsions.  Should 
the  eruptions  suddenly  disappear  and  the  child  become 
sick,  put  it  immediately  into  warm  water  ta  the  neck,  and, 


170  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

give  it  some  sweating  tea.  with  a  little  sulpher  in  it.— 
This  should  be  repeated  every  hour  or  two  until  the  erup- 
tions again  appear  and  a  moisture  is  produced. 


SECTION  VI. 
YELLOW-GUM. 

This  complaint  in  infants  is  similar  to  jaundice  in  adults. 
The  skin  becomes  yellow,  the  eyes  and  urine  are  tinged 
with  yellow,  and  the  stools  are  clay-colored,,  and  the  bow- 
els generally  costive;  in  some  infants  this  complaint  takes 
place  in  a  few  days  after  their  birth. 

'Treatment. — Give  a  purge — rhuebarb,  I  think,  is  some 
the  best,  but  the  butternut  and  gulver  syrup  will  an- 
swer. If  these  cannot  conveniently  be  had,  give  cas- 
tor oil,  senna,  or  peach  flower  tea,  until  the  bowels  are 
cleansed.  After  the  bowels  have  been  cleansed,  give  a 
strong  tea  of  wild  cherry-tree  bark  or  poplar  bark,  in  tea- 
spoonful  doses  three  or  four  times  a  day,  still  keeping  the 
bowels  open  by  the  use  of  cathartics  until  a  cure  is  effect- 
ed. If  the  child  should  appear  sick,  it  would  be  well  to 
bathe  it  in  warm  water  several  times  a  day,  untill  it  ap- 
pears relieved: 


SECTION  ¥1.1. 

TimUSil.—{Oo-hah-lah-go-huh-skce.) 

This  is  a  very  common  complaint  among  infants  or 
small  children,  and  is  caused  by  a  foul  stomach  and  bow- 
els. It  sometimes  appears  in  small  white  specks  resem- 
bling coagulated  milk  on  the  tongue,  inside  or  the  lips 
and  corners  of  the  mouth.  At  other  times  it  makes  its  ap- 
pearance in  yellow  blisters  on  the  tongue,  gumsand  in- 
side of  the  mouth.  In  some,  instances  when  suffered  to 
run  on  a  longtime,  it  extends  down  through  the  alimenta- 
ry canal  and  shows  itself  at  the  fundament.  Some  chil- 
dren afflicted  with  Thrush  are  very  costive,  while  others 
suffer  givatly  from  bowel  complaint. 

Treatment. — If  the  bowels  are  costive,  the  first  step 
should  be  to  evacuate  their  contents  by  ihe  use  of  cathar- 
tics, such  as  rhuebarb,  senna,  castor  oil,  or  butter  nut  and 
gulver  syrup.  If  the  bowels  are  distressed  or  laxative, 
give  a  tea  of  sweet-gum  bark.  The  mouth  should  be  fre- 
quently washed  with  water  in  which  borax  has  been  dis- 


INDIAN    GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  171 

solved,  and  the  child  permitted  to  swallow  some  of  the 
same;  borax  finely  pulverized  and  put  into  the  mouth  and 
let  it  dissolve  by  degrees,  is  a  very  good  mode  of  applying 
it.  A  mouth  water  made  of  persimmon  bark  and  dirt  out  of 
a  chimnej",  where  fire  has  been  kept  for  some  length  of 
time  is  very  good;  the  bark  and  dirt  should  be  boiled,  the 
decoction  strained  and  sweetened  to  a  syrup.  Hens  oil 
will  often  cure  Thrush,  the  mouth  and  gums  being  fre- 
quently greased  with  it.  The  child  should  always  swal- 
low a  portion  of  the  mouth  water,  as  the  stomach  is  al- 
ways more  or  less  affected.  Any  stringent  tea  will  be 
found  good  for  Thrush,  and  by  turning  to  the  Index,  you 
will  be  referred  to  various  kinds  of  this  class  of  astringents. 
In  the  Dispensatory  you  will  find  several  valuable  recipes 
for  mouth-water,  used  in  the  cure  of  this  disease. 


SlBt'<TIO:V  IX. . 

CHOLIC   IN   INFANTS:— ITsu-ne-yah-lowJis-scoh.] 

This  is  a  very  common  and  troublesome  complaint  among 
young  children  and  is  easily  known  by  the  child  suddenly 
screaming  and  crying,  at  the  same  time  drawing  up  its 
le«rs;  the  complaint,  is  sometimes  so  severe  that  the  child 
cannot  make  water.  This  complaint  is  not  unfrequently 
produced  by  over-feeding  and  suckling  small  children,,  by 
costive  bowels,  and  by  taking  them  out  of  warm  rooms 
into  cold  or  fresh  air,  or  by  putting  damp  or  cold  clothes 
on  them. 

Treatment. — If  Cholic  arises  from  flatulence,  give  a  tea 
'of  peppermint,  ginseng,  angelica,  calimus,  or  all-spice,  to 
which  you  may  add  a  few  drops  of  paragoric,  Bat  email's 
drops,  or  laudanum;  if  the  laudanum  is  used,  do  not  give 
more  than  from  one  two  drops.  The  essence  of  pepper- 
mint or  pennyroyal  will  be  found  most  valuable  remedies 
in  flatulent  Cholic  among  infants.  Bathe  the  infant's  bel- 
ly before  the  fire,  and  rub  it  with  spirits  in  which  camphor 
has  been  dissolved,  a  few  drops  of  laudanum  may  be  ad- 
ded to  the  bath, if  the  child  appears  very  much  distressed. 

When  cholic  arises  from  acidity,  it  may  be  known  by 
the  bowels  nor  being  bound  and  the  stools  of  a  green  color 
and  sour  smell.  In  addition  to  the  above  remedies,  give 
the  child,  occasionally,  a  dose  of  magnesia  or  the  infusion 
•of  rheubaib  in  small  doses  to  regulate  the  stomach  and 
J)ow3ls.     However  easily  the  Cholic  ma}"  be  relieved  it  is 


172  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

i 

very  desirable  that  we  do  something  to  prevent  its  attacks, 
for  let  the  cure  be  as  speedy  and  as  easy  as  it  may,  the 
preventative  is  always  preferable.  To  prevent  cholic  in 
infants,  let  the  mother  drink  daily  of  spirits,  into  which  has 
been  put  asafoetida  or  garlic,  and  some  of  the  same  may 
be  given  to  the  infant  occasionally;  the  chidren  of  women 
who  make  constant  use  of  either  of  these  articles  while 
suckling,  have  very  little  if  any  use  for  laudanum,  para- 
garic,  Bateman's  drops,  &c,  &c. 


SECTION  X 

CROUP. 

Children  of  both  sexes  and  all  countries,  from  infancy, 
up  to  ten  or  twelve  years,  and  even  older,  are  liable  to  this, 
complaint.  It  is  a  very  dangerous  disease,  and  the  rapid- 
ity with  which  it  proceeds,  requires  immediate  and  prompt 
attention.  The  head  of  every  family  should  be  acquaint- 
ed with  the  symptoms  and  treatment  of  Croup,  for  of  all 
diseases  to  which  children  are  liable,  it  is  certainly  the 
most  dangerous,  and  in  many  instances  it  makes  its  advan- 
ces with  such  amazing  rapidity  that  suffocation  takes 
place  before  medical  aid  can  be  procured.  The  most  fat, 
gross  children  are  most  liable  to  it,  and  next  to  them,  the 
extremely  puny.  It  often  seems  to  run  in  families,  and  is- 
thought  by  some  to  be  hereditary. 

Symptoms. — It  very  often  attacks  suddenly,  with  a  short 
dry  cough,  hoarseness,  wheezing,  and  great  difficulty  of 
breathing.  The  face  looks  flushed  and  swelled,  the  child 
throws  its  head  back,  its  mouth  open,  and  its  eyes  and 
neck  veins  look  like  they  would  burst.  Sometimes  a  cold, 
clammy  sweat  breaks  out.  At  other  times  this  complaint 
comes  on  very  slow,  either  with  hoarseness  and  symptoms 
of  a  common  cold,  or  else  with  looseness  of  the  bowels, 
as  if  from  cold,  every  symptom  gradually  becomes  more 
and  more  violent,  until  a  spasm  attacks. 

Treatment. — On  the  firsi;  appearance  of  Croup,  give 
onion  syrup,  and  apply  a  poultice  of  onions  or  garlic  to  tho 
throat  and  breast.  If  the  bowels  are  costive,  lose  no  time 
in  evacuating  their  contents  by  injections  ol  warm  milk 
and  water,  with  a  little  lard  and  salt  in  it,,  repeat  the  injec-- 
libn  until  the  bowels  are  cleansed.  It  the  attack  bd  vio- 
lent, put  the  child  in  warm  water  up  to.  the  chin,  give  it  a 
j>uke  of  the  tincture  ot  lobelia  and  Iradian  physic,  if  th:> 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  l?3 

puke  should  be  slow  in  operating,  wet  tobacco   leaves  in 
warm  water  and  vinegar,  and  apply  it  over  the  breast  and 
throat.     If  the  child  is  so  far  spent  as  to  be  unable  to  swal- 
low, the  emetic  or  puke  may  be  given  by  injection,  at  the 
same  time,  applying  the  tobacco  externally  as  above  direc- 
ted.    In  children  of  full  habit,  where  the  attack  is  violent, 
blood  should  be  taken,  either  from  a  vein  or  by  cupping; 
for  several  days  after  the   spasm,  the  bowels  should  be 
kept  open  by  the  use  of  sulpher  taken  in  some  sweating 
tea,  such  as  spice- wood,  pennyroyal,   &c.     In  nine   ease* 
out  of  ten,   a  strong  tea  of  the  fine  roots  of  spice-wood,, 
made  very  sweet  and  combined  with  sulpher  intolerable 
large  doses,  will  entirely  relieve  croup  if  given  in  the  first 
•stages.     We  copy  the  following  from  the  writings  of  a  re- 
spectable physician  among  the  whites:     "After   using  the- 
remedies  generally  prescribed  without  success  and  the  case- 
is  desperate,  the  best  remedy  I  have  ever  tried  as  a  last  re- 
sort, is  calomel  in  large  doses,  from  thijty  to  fifty  grains,, 
repeated  in  ten  grain  portions  every  fifteen  minutes,  until 
relief  is  obtained,  (do  not  be  alarmed  at  this  dose,)  I  know 
by  experience,  in  a  hundred  instances,,  ©f  the  lives  of  chil- 
dren being  preserved  by   large  doses  of  calomel,  whicE 
otherwise  must  have  been  lost.    Then  let  rae  urge  upon 
you  the  necessity  of  laying  aside  your  prejudices  againsf 
this  medicine,  and  not  to  slacken  your  hand  in  this  trying 
moment  if  you  wish  to  preserve  the  infant.    So  powerful 
and  safetary  is  this  medicine,  that   it  frequently   Believes 
the  complaint  in  tenor  fifteen  minutes,  without  resourse  te> 
any  other  means."     I  give  the  above  in   order  that  those 
who  may  choose  the  use  of  calomel  in  cases  of  eamergen- 
cy,  may  give  it  in  doses  sufficiently  large  t©  produce  the 
desired  eliect. 


SECTION  XL 

WORMS. 

There  are  a  variety  of  Worms  which  infest  tlie  human? 
system,  and  grown  persons  are  often  troubled'  with  them 
as  well  as  children.  But  as  it  is  generally  viewed  as  a 
childs  complaint,  I  have  thought  proper  to  give'  it  a  place 
among  the  diseases  of  children,  but  will  try  to  give  a  satis- 
factory treatise  on  the  subject. 

The  first  class  are  those  which  inhabit  the  whole  rang* 
-of  the  intestinal  canal,  they  are  the  long  tape-wor% in, 


174  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

broad  tape- worm,  the  flat  two-headed  worm,  the  long  round?" 
worm,  and  the  long  thread  worm.  Those  which  inhabit 
the  lower  part  of  the  intestinal  canal,  belong  to  the  second: 
class,  as  the  thread- worm,  the  bot-worm  and  the  mane*- 
worm.  There  is  another  or  third  class,  as  the  maggot- 
worm,  &c.  Worms  are  sometimes  passed  with  the  urine, 
and  must  originate  in  the  bladder  and  kidneys. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  indicating  worms  are  vari- 
ous and  contradictory,  often  resembling  the  symptoms  of 
other  diseases  in  so  many  particulars,  as  to  render  it  diffi- 
cult to  determine  whether  worms  really  exist.  The  child 
or  person,  in  general,  has  a  larger  belly  than  usual,  and 
pains  are  felt  in  the  stomach  and  belly;  the  appetite  is  va- 
rious, constant  hunger,  and  'yet*  the  system  becomes  weak. 
At  times,  there  is  sickness  at  the  stomach,  and  vomiting; 
looseness  at  the  bowels,  interrupted  sleep,  bad  breath,  pick- 
ing at  the  nose,  a  peculiar  paleness  about  the  mouth;  a 
short  dry  cough,  slow  fever,  and  sometimes  convulsions. ' 

Treatment.— The  roots,  leaves  or  seeds  of  the  Jerusa- 
lem oak,  boiled  in  sweet  milk,  the  decoction  made  sweet 
■with  honey  given  in  such  portions  as  the  stomach  will  bear, 
of  a  morning,  on  a  fasting  stomach,  and  repeated  at  night, 
will  carry  off  worms  in  a  surprising  manner;  it  should  be 
repeated  for  several  days,  still  giving  a  purge  of  butternut 
and  gulver  syrup;  every  other  day  cleanse  the  bowels. — 
Wild  ginger  boiled  in  sweet  milk,  and  gk*en  in  the  same 
way,  is  one  of  the  best  warm  medicines  in  the  world.-; — 
Spirits  of  turpentine  is  a  valuable  article'  for  worms;  to 
children,  give  from  a  half  to  a  whole  teaspoonful  in  sugar, 
and  repeat  every  morning  for  three  mornings,  and  the  third 
day  give  a  purge,  and  if  the  patient  is  not  entirely  reliev- 
ed, repeat  the  course  in  a  few  days.  (ETarolina  pink  root 
given  in  powder  or  decoction,  is  good  to  expel  worms;  it 
should  be  given  in  honey  or  molasses;  when  it  producey- 
any  unfavorable  symptoms,  give  a  purge,  and  all  will  be 
well.  The  China  tree  is  a  valuable  warm  medicine;  the' 
fruit,  bark  of  the  root  or  bark  of  the  tree  may  be  used;. 
when  it  produces  giddiness  in  the  head,  give  a  purge. — 
The  yellow  poplar  root  bark  in  powders  mixed  with  sweei- 
ning,  is  good  tor  worms,  and  as  a  family  medicrhe  is  not 
surpassed  by  any  thing  in  my  knowledge  as  a  preventative 
of  worms,  for  puny  children  and  such  as  are  frequently  , 
troubled  with  warm  spells;  it  acts  like  a  charm;  it  should 
lie  taken  every  morning  in  honey,  sugar  or  molasses;  .t 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  175 

tea  spoonful  is  a  dose.     Those"  who    wish  to  avoid  worm 
sickness  among  their  children,  need  only  to  give  the  pop- 
1-ar  root  every  morning  on  an  empty  stomach.     The  China 
berries  mashed,  and  put  in  spirits,  is  also  very  good  to  prer 
vent   worms.     When  persons    commence   doctoring    for 
worms,  they  should  continue  it  for  several  days  and  weeks, 
unless  relief  is  obtained;  but  after  a  fair  trial  has  been 
made,  without  its  having  produced  the  desired  effect,  there 
are  strong  grounds  to  suppose,  that  some   other   disease, 
and  not  worms  is  the   cause  of  bad  breath,  for   in   many 
instances,  children  have  been  physicked  to  death  for  worms, 
when  they  had  none,  but  were  laboring  under  some  other 
disease.     In  the  class  of  Anthedmetics,  in  materia  medica, 
you  will  find  many  other  remedies   for  worms.     When 
worms  produce  choaking,  give  honey  and  the  patient  will 
experience  considerable  relief,  then  give  warm  medicin- 
to  expel  the  worms,  and  the  cure  is  effected.     When  takii 
medicines  for  worms,  the  patient  may  eat  as  much  hone 
sugar  or  molasses  as  he  desires.* 


SECTION  XII. 

CHOLERA  INFANTUM  or    PUKING  and  PURGII 

OF  INFANTS. 

(Tah-lo-ne-lse-tah-ne-gah-slee.) 

This  disease  in  infants  is  the  same  as  cholera  morbus 
grown  persons.  The  symptoms  are,  vomiting  and  pu 
ing,  a  quick  pulse,  hot  skin,  and  great  and  constant  thi 
It  makes  its  appearance  in  the  heat  of  summer,  and  its 
verity  is  in  proportion  to  the  heat  of  the  weather,  it  { 
erally  prevails  as  an  epidemic  when  it  takes  a  start  i 
section  of  country. 

Treatment. — Give  a  tea  of  cholera-mcrbus  root,  i 
the  vomilirig  is  checked,  next  cleanse  the  stomach 
bowels  with  gulver  syrup.  After  the  first  attack  is  rel 
ed,  give  the  child  a  Tonic  or  strengthening  medicine 
Yellow  poplar  bark  will  be  very  good,  or  the  little  w 
root  called  by  Cherokees  cul-sa-tse  you-stee  will  be  f< 
excellent. 


INJECTIONS  or   CLYSTERS. 

When  giving  the  treatment  of  the  different  disear  ' 
have   frequently  directed  the   use  of  injections.     It  wii. 


176  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

probably  not  be  amiss  to  give  some  farther  directions,  as 
to  the  mode  of  administering  injections  &c.  When  the  in- 
jection is  to  be  administered  by  an  assistant,  the  patient 
is  to  be  laid  on  a  bed  near  the  edge,  the  knees  are  to  be 
drawn  up,  the  attendant  is  then  to  take  the  clyster  pipe, 
the  finger  is  to  be  placed  before  it  to  keep  in  the  contents, 
after  it  is  well,  oiled  it  is  to  be  placed  to  the  fundament. — 
The  pipe  is  to  be  gently  pushed  up  the  fundament  about 
an  inch,  and  the  contents  are  to  be  forced  out,  by  gently 
pushing  the  handle  of  the  syringe  with  one  hand,  while  it 
is  firmly  held  by  the  other.  Injections  are  sometimes  giv- 
en by  putting  the  clyster  into  a  bladder  and  injecting  it  up 
the  fundament  by  means  of  a  quill.  After  the  quill  is  in- 
troduced up  the  fundament  the  bladder  is  to  be  squeezed, 
together  with  the  hands. 

Clystering  is  one  of  the  most  mild,  innocent,  powerful 
and  safe  remedies  known  in  the  science  and  practice  of 
medicine. 

Any  medicine  given  by  Injection  should  be  given  in 
much  larger  portions  than  when  taken  by  the  mouth. 


PART  THREE* 


INDIAN  MATERIA  J7IEDICA* 
PRINCIPALLY  BOTANICAL. 

Materia  Medica  means  nothing  more  than  simply  the 
materials  of  medicine;  it  is  that  part  of  the  medical  sci- 
ence which  treats  of  the  nature,  and  properties  of  sub- 
stances, whether  simple  or  compound,  mineral  or  vegeta- 
ble, which  are  employed  for  the  arrest  or  cure  of  disease, 
and  for  restoring  health. 

The  Indians  derive  the  materials  of  medicine  employed 
by  them  in  the  healing  art,  almost  entirely,  from  their  own 
native  forest.  Notwithstanding  their  remedies  may  ap- 
pear simple  to  those  unacquainted  with  their  medical  pro- 
perties; yet  it  is  frankly  acknowledged  by  the  whites 
who  have  had  an  opportunity  of  personal  observation,  that 
in  many  instances  they  have  arrested  disease,  with  appar- 
ent ease,  when  the  remedies  prescribed  by  White  physici- 
ans of  character  and  skill  had  failed. 

Botanical  materia  medica  is  yet  in  its  infancy,  but  little 
has  been  done  towards  classing  the  articles  composing  this 
branch  of  medical  science*  We  shall  attempt  to  class 
them,  according  to  their  most  active  medical  properties 
We  deem  the  classification  here  proposed,  best  calculated 
to  simplify  the  healing  art,  and  thus  render  it  more  readi- 
ly comprehended,  and  consequently  more  useful  to  the 
community  in  general.  The  articles  described  under  one 
class,  in  many  instances,  possess  also  the  specified  prop- 
erties of  other  classes,  though  in  a  less  active  degree.  In 
such  cases,  I  will  place  the  article  under  the  head,  where 
I  think  its  most  distinguishable,  and  active  medical  prop- 
*  erties  entitle  it  to  be  placed;  but  at  the  same  place,  I  will 
describe  all  its  medical  qualities,  so  far  as  I  have  learned 
them. 

The  Indian  name  of  the  articles  will  be  placed  at  the 
head,  immediately  under  the  Indian  name  will  be  seen  the 
most  common  names  applied  to  them  by  the  whites   and 
K 


178  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO-HEA&m 

to  the  right  of  the  common  name  will  be  given  the  botanhy 
technical  name — so  far  as  I  am  acquainted  with  them. 

In  some  instances  the  opinion  of  white  physicians  with 
regard  to  the  medieal  qualities  of  different  herbs  or  roots 
are  given,  in  such  cases  it  is  given  as  their  views  and 
plainly  distinguished  from  the  Indian  theory. 


CLASS   No.  1. 

EMETICS. 

Emetics  are  a  class  of  medecines,  which  on  .  being, re- 
ceived into  the  stomach,  produce  vomiting,  or  puking — 
They  are  called  by  physicians  emetics,  and  are  given  in  a 
great  variety  of  cases  to  rid  the  stomach  of  its  noxious  con- 
tents. Their  operation  will  always  be  increased,  and 
rendered  much  easier,  by  drinking  water  made  milk  of 
blood  warm,  in  considerable  quantities  after  the  first  ope- 
ration. 


IPEC  ACUANH  A— (Raicilla.) : 

Ipecacuanha  is  a  native  product  of  South  America,  and 
this  word  in  the  Spanish  language  signifies  emetic  root. — 
This  name  is  applied  in  Spanish  America  to  various  plants 
that  possess  emetic  properties  to.  any  considerable  extent 
— this  fact  gives  rise  to  the  confusion  which  is  so  common 
concerning  this- pi  ant — ifc  also  accounts  for  the  several  va- 
rieties found  in  the  shops,. bearing  the  same .  name.     The 
botanical  name  for  this  root  is  Raicilla.,    By  paying  atten- 
tion to  the-  proper  or  botanical  name,  the  genuine  article 
may  generally  be  procured  from  the  shops  without  difficul- 
ty.    The  genuine  ipecacuanha,  in  its  dry  state,  is  a  small 
wrinkled  root,  about  th©  size  of  a   hen's  quill,  variously 
twisted,  and'  marked  with  projecting  parts,  apparently  like 
rings — ash  colored.     It  has  a  sickening  and  slightly  bitter 
taste,  and  very  little  smell.     The  outer  bark  is  very  brittle 
and  it  is,  in  this  part,  lhat  the   power  and  activity  of  this 
root  as  an  emetic  resides.     This  is  generally  sold   in  the 
shops,  in  the  form  of  powder;  that  being  the  form  in  which 
it  is  administered  as  an  emetic  or  puke.     The  powder  is 
the  color  of  common  ashes.     I  have  npw  described  to  you 
the  imported  ipecacuanha  or  the  medicine  which  is  most 
commonly  used   by  physicians,  amoug  the  whites  under 
that  name.     I  will  now  give  for,  the  further  information  of 
the  reader,  the  opinion  of  Dr.  Gunn  respecting  its  medical 
properties.     He  says:  "I  may  justly  remark,  that  it  stands 
at  the  head  of  the  vegetable  emetics  for  promptness,  effi- 
cacy and  safety  of  its  operations*    In  powder,  which  is  the^ 
manner  in  which  it  is  generally  given,rt  full/vomiting  will? 


180  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

be  produced  in  a  grown  person,  by  a  scruple  or  half  & 
drachm,  or  you  may  put  a  tea  spoonful  of  the  powder,  in- 
to six  table  spoonsiul  of  warm  water,  and  give  a  table- 
spoonful  every  few  minutes  until  it  operates;  or  you  may 
steep  it  in  wine,  and  give  it  in  small  doses,  until  the  effect 
you  desire  is  produced. 

The  medical  uses  of  this  powder,  when  properly  applied 
are  very  great  and  valuable.     In  addition  to  acting  as  an 
emetic,  it  will,  when  given  in  smaU  doses,  so  as  to  produce 
nausea(sickness  at  the  stomach) generally  produce  moisture 
of  the  skin  or  evacuation  of  the  bowels,  and  in  still  smal- 
ler doses,  generally  stimulates  the  stomach,  increases  the 
appetite,  and  assists  digestion.     When  given  in  small  do- 
ses, it  acts,  not  only  as  a  diaphoretic,  (sweating)  but  as  an 
expectorant,  (which  means  a  free  discharge  of  tough  mu- 
cus and  spittle  from  the  mouth  and  throat.)     It  is  also  val- 
uable, when  given  in  small  doses,  to  stop  violent  hemorra- 
ges  (bleedings)  from  the  lungs  and  womb.     In  intermittent 
fevers,  it  has  generally  succeeded  in  stopping  them,  especi- 
ally when  given  about  an  hour  before  the  coming  of  the 
fever,  and  also  when  given  so  as  to  produce   vomiting  at 
the  time  of  the  fever  or  end  of  the  cold  stage.     Great  bene- 
fit is  often  derived  from  the  medicine,  in  continued  fevers- 
and  particularly  in  the  commencement  of  typhus  fever;  an 
emetic  or  puke  oi  ipecacuanha,  followed  by  a  sufficiency 
of  this  medicine,  in  very  small  doses,  to  keep  up  a  gentle 
moisure  or  sweat,  will,  if  attended  to,  in  the    early  stage 
of  this  complaint,  probably  at  once  cut  short  or  greatly  les- 
sen the  severity  of  the  attack." 

I  have  given  the  above  views  of  Dr.  Gunn,  for  the  infor- 
mation and  benefit  of  those  who  prefer  the  imported  to  the 
American  ipecacuanha. 

In  my  practice,  the  American  ipecacuanha  or  Indian  phy- 
sic is  most  generally  used. 

[Uhe-lay-oo-yah-ter-tee.] 

AMERICAN  IPECACUANHA. 

This  very  useful,  and  somewhat  singular  plant,  is  said 
to  be  exclusively  a  native  of  the  United  States,  and  may  be 
found  in  great  abundance,  in  the  middle,  southern  and  wes- 
tern States,  growing  in  loose,  moist,  sandy  soils,  and  fre- 
quently in  beds  of  almost  pure  sand.  The  leaves  of  thi« 
plant  vary  so  much  in  shape  and  color,  and  in  fact,  the 


INDIAN  UID  E    TO  HEALTH.  181 

whole  plant  varies  so  much  in  its  different  situations,  that 
it  is  often  mistaken  by  those  unicquainted  with  its  habits, 
for  several  distinct  species  of  plants.  It  has  a  large,  long, 
white,  or  yellowish  colored,  perrenial  root,  which  sends  of)' 
towards  the  upper  part,  many  small  roots  about  the  size  of 
small  quills.  The  stems'  are  numerous,  of  a  reddish,  pale 
green,  or  yellowish  color.  The  leaves  grow  opposite  to 
each  other,  and  are  generally  of  an  oval  form — but  some- 
times, they  are  of  a  long,  oval — sometimes  pointed — and 
at  others  linear.  The  flowers  appear  in  the  month  of 
May,  at  which  time,  the  leaves  are  very  small,  but  as  it  ad- 
vances in  age,  the}7-  become  greatly  increased  in  size. — 
The  flowers  are  succeeded  by  three  square  or  triangular 
capsules,  or  seed  vessels,  each  capsule  containing  three 
seeds.  The.  root  of  this  plant  is  the  part  used  for  medicine, 
and  is,  in  my  opinion,  far  superior  to  the  imported  Ipecacu- 
anha. It  is  a  powerful  emetic,  both  safe  and  certain  in  its 
operations,  and  is  applicable  to  nearly  all  the  cases,  in 
which  emetics  are  required.  In  doses  of  from  five  to  ten, 
or  fifteen  grains,  it  is  an  excellent  emetic:  in  doses  of 
twenty  grains,  it   operates  as  an  active  purge.     In  very 

large  doses,  it  produces,  in  addition  to  the  above  effect?-, 
vertigo  (giddiness  in  the  head,)  heat  and  great  prostration 
of  strength.  When  it  is  not  convenient  to  weigh  this  arti- 
cle, put  from  one  to  one  and  a  half  tea-spoonfuls  in  a  half 
pint  of  hot  water,  and  when  it  becomes  sufficiently  cool. 
give  it  in  table-spoonful  doses,  at  intervals  of  from  live  to 
ten  minutes,  until  vomiting  is  plentifully  produced,  aid  it 
by  the  free  use  of  warm  water;  after  every  motion  to  vo- 
mit, when  the  stomach  is  sufficiently  cleansed,  give  gruel 
which  wilLturn  it  to  the  bowels.  This  is  an  excellent,  ar- 
ticle in  Asthma,  (phthisic,)  colds,  &c.  Take  in  good  spi- 
rits, a  handful  of  the  root  to  a  quart  of  spirits,  drink  enough 
of  this  tincture  twice  a  day,  to  excite  slight  (nausea)  sick- 
ness at  the  stomach;  it  is  also  very  good,  taken  in  this  way, 
for  an  inactive  -state  of  the  liver — this  tincture  may  be 
rendered  better  for  the  liver,  by  adding  to  the  Ipecacuanha 
equal  quantities  of  gulver  roof,  and  boneset  leaves.  For  a 
full  description  of  these  herbs,  refer  to  their  heads.  The 
American  Ipecacuanha  is  mnch  stronger  than  the  import- 
ed Ipecacuanha.  In  administering  the  American  Ipecacu- 
anha for  an  emetic,  I  have  added  one  fourth  gulver,  and 
found  it  much    better  than  the    Ipecacuanha  used  alone. 


m  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALT& 

The  root  is  the  part  used. 


[uH-LAH-OO-YAH-TER-TEE.] 

INDIAN  PHYSIC. 

Some  writers  among  fhe  whites   make  no   distinction 
between  this  plant  and  the  American  Ipecacuanha,  while 
others  represent  them  as  being  two  distinct  species.     It  is 
not  material  which  of  these  opinions  be  correct  if  we  but 
understand  the  medical  properties  of  both.     We   believe 
the  Indian  Physic  to  possess  the  same  medical  properties 
as  the  American  Ipecacuanha  and  may  be  used   to  advan- 
tage in  all  cases 'where  the   Ipecacuanha  Would  be  advis- 
able.    It  is  combined   with   other  articles  in    almost,  all 
cases  where  an  emetic  is  required,  by  the    Cherokee  Indi- 
ans.    It  is  to  be  found  in  great  abundance,  in  almost  every 
part  of  the  Western  country,  inhabiting  shady  woods  and 
the  sides  of  rich   hills   on  mountains',  from  the    Lakes  of 
Canada  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.     It   has   a  perennial   root, 
composed  of  several  long,  slen'der,  brown-colored  branch- 
es, issuing  from  one  common  caudexor  head,  and  running 
some  distance  underground.     The  stems  which  rise  from 
the  root,  vary  in  number.     Sometimes  there  is  but  a  single 
one,  and  at  others,  there  are  many — they  are  round  bran- 
ches towards  the  top  and  commonly  of  a  redish  color  and 
grow  to  the  height  of  from  two  to  three  feet.     The   leaves 
are  of  a  deep  green  color,  long  and  pointed,  flowers  white.- 
I  again  tell  you  that  this  root    is  valuable   in  all  cases  in 
which   the   American  Ipecacuanha   is    recommended. -=- 
When  administering  it  as  an  emetic,  I  combine  it  with  qui- 
ver root,  sometimes  equal   quantities    of  each,    and  some- 
times two-thirds  gulver  to  one   of  ihe   Indian  Physic.     In 
preparing  the  emetic  take  the  root  after  it  is  Well  sleansed 
and  boil  it  in  water  to  a  strong  decoction  and  give  a  half 
gill  of  the  decoction  every  fifteen  minutes  until  vomiting 
is  produced.     Encourage  (he  operation  bf  the  tree  nse  of 
warm  water;  after  ihe  stoma  die  is  proper]  cleansed,  give 
gruel  to  determine  it  to  the  bowels.     The   tincture   of  this 
root,  is  an  infallible  remedy  for  that  dreadful  malady  Milk- 
Sick,  as  may  be  seen  in   the  treatment  of  that  disease. — 
This  root,  also  forms  an  ingredient  in  Foreman's  anti-bil- 
ious pills.     Combined  with    bone-set   leaves    and  gulver- 
root,  it  forms  a  valuable  bitter  for  an  inactive  state  of  the 
liver  and  spleen. 


INDIAN   GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  m 

[TOS-L  A  H-E- YOU-STEE.  "J 

LOBELIA,  EMETIC  HERB,  &c— {Lobelia  Inflate.) 

Lobelia  Inflata  is  a  beautiful  plant,  that  is,  it  requires 
two  years  from  the  time  it  comes  up  from  the  seed  before 
it  comes  to  perfection  and  produces  Its  seed.  The  stem'  is 
erect,  milky,  branched,  growing  :from  one  to  two  and  a 
half  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  oblong,  acute, 
serrate  and  sessile,  they  contain  like  the  stem  a  milky  sub- 
stance. The  flowers  are  small,  of  a  pale  bine  or  whitish 
color,  and  generally  put  forth  from  the  stalk  solitary,  im- 
mediately above  each  leaf.  The  seed  vessels  are  small* 
oblong,  roundish  pods,  seeds  many,  very  small  and  oi  a 
brown  color. 

The  first  year  this  plant  only  sends  forth  a  few  radical, 
roundish  leaves,  which  lay  close  to  the  ground — the  second 
year  it  produses  the  branches  and  seeds.  Lobelia  is  a 
common  plant  in  many  parts  of  the  United  States,  growing 
mostly  in  old  fields  and  open  lands,  rarely  in  the  woods. — 
It  is  often  found  growing  in  great  abundance  in  stubble 
fields,  if  left  uncultivated  the  next  year  after  the  crop  is 
taken  off.  When  any  part  of  this  plant  is  broken,  a  milky 
substance  or  juice  exudes  from  the  wound,  of  a  most  pen- 
etrating, diffusible  nature.  This  juice  when  applied  to  the 
eye  has  a  most  powerful  effect,  and  hence  it  is  called  eye- 
bright;  it  has  also  received  the  name  of  Indian- tobacco, 
from  the  circumstances  of  its  being  used  as  a  medicine,  by 
them,  and  was  thought, by  some  of  the  whites,  to  produce 
effects  similar  to  the  common  tobacco. 

Dr.  Thompson,  and  several  later  writers  on  the  same 
system,  esteem  it  as  being  far  superior,  as  an  emetic,  to 
any  -other  article  of  that  class  in  the  compass  of  their 
knowledge — it  is  their  alpha  and  omega  in  all  cases.  But 
we  beg  leave  to  differ  with  them  on  this  subject,  (as  well 
as  on  many  others,)  we  believe  it  to  be  two  severe  in  its 
operations  for  weak  breasted  persons.  It  is  an  excellent 
medicine  in  case  of  croup  and  asthma  or  phthisic.  The 
tincture  given  in  small  doses  is  good  for  infants,  to  prevent 
cholics,  croup,  &c,  for  this  purpose  it  should  be  given  in 
very  small  doses,  just  sufficient  to  produce  slight  nausea. 

The  most  important  use  we  have  for  this  herb,  however, 
is  in  the  bite  of  reptiles  and  stings  of  insects.  In  the  bite 
of  the  copper-head  or  rattle  snake,  we  give  it  as  an  emetic:: 
the  tincture  is  preferred,  but  if  this  is  not  at  hand,  bruise 


J1 84  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

the  herb,  put  it  in  spirits,  shake  it  well,  and  administer  it 
in  large  drinks  until  copious  vomiting  is  produced.  If  the- 
other  articles  directed  for  external;  application,  are  not  at 
hand,  this  tincture  or  bruised  herb:  may  be  applied  to  the 
wound,  until  some  o£  the  other  articles  can  be  procured. 
The  tincture  forms  an  excellent  application  for  the  sting 
of  insects  or  bite  of  spiders. 

This  plant  may  be  used  at  any  age  from  the  time  it  first- 
springs  up  until  it  gets  its  full  growth  and  ripens — the 
same  Quantity  possessing  at  all  ages  the  same  strength  or 
virtue.  The  best  time  for  gathering  this  plant  is  in  the- 
latter  part  of  the  second  season,  when  it  has  arrived  at 
maturity,  which  may  be  known  by  the  leaves  and  pods.; 
beginning  to  turn  yellow,  at  wThich  time  the  seeds  are  ripe,, 
and  they  are  the  most  active  part  of  the  whole  plant.— 
When  it  is  gathered,  it  should  be  kept  clean,  and  the  night 
air  excluded  as  much  as  possible.  The  tincture  is  made 
by  putting  the  pulverized  leaves  or  seeds  into  proof  spirits 
and  let  it  digest  ten  days  in  sun  heat,  the  green  leaves  will 
answer.  This  article  may  also  be  used  in  an  infusion  in 
warm  water,  not  hot,  for  anything  above  blood  heat  de- 
stroys its  virtues  and  deprives  it  of  its  emetic  property. — 
When  you  wish  to  give  this  herb  as  an  emetic,  in  any  case 
except  snake  bite,  it  is  best  to  give  it  in  small  doses,  repeat- 
ed every  few  minutes  until  it  operates;  in  snakei  bites  it 
must  be  taken  freely.  The  powdered  leaves  generally 
require  a  tea-spoonful  and  sometimes  more  to  produee 
vomiting — of  the  tincture  from  one  to  two  table-spoonsful. 
In  case  of  snake-bite  it  requires  much  more. 


[te-sco-yur-te-neen-wo.] 

VERVINE  OR  VERVANE— ( Verbena  Hastata.) 

This  well  known  plant  is  commonly  found  growing  in 
uncultivated  fields,  fence  corners  and  about  yards. 

This  herb  forms  a  tolerable  good  emetic,  but  not  equal 
in  our  estimation  to  the  Indian  Physic.  For  an  emetic,  it 
may  be  used  in  a  decoction  of  the  green  or  dry  herb,  or 
in  powder  like  lobelia.  The  leaves,  s^ed  and  roots,  are  all 
used  for  medicine,  but  I  prefer  the  root  in  all  cases,  except 
for  an  emetic.  The  root  combined  with  black-root  and 
puccoon-root  and  digested  in  any  kind  of  spirits,  except 
peach  brandy,  and  taken  for  chills  andjfevers,  will  be  found 
of  great  benefit.     A  jingle  handful  of  this  root  a,n.d.  9.  ta,ble* 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  180- 

spoonful  of  steel-dust,  put  into  a  quart  of  prooft'  spirits,  is 
good  for  Dropsey.  The  decoction  is  also  good  for  flux 
and  old  bowel  complaints,  either  among  children  or  among 
grown  persons.  The  decoction  given  in  early  stages  of 
fever  seldom  fails  to  throw  it  off  entirely.  It  is  an  excel- 
lent sodorific  and  is  valuable  in  decoction  for  colds,  coughs, 
female  obstructions  and  afterpains.  It  ha  been  employed 
with  considerable  success  in  the  treatment  of  consump- 
tion. 


INDIAN  FEVER  ROOT. 

This  plant  has  a  perenial  root,  which  runs  horizontal 
and  sends  off  man  v  fibers — this  root  has  a  dark  color  and 
a  strong  rich  taste.  Several  stems  arise  from  one  root  to 
a  height  of  two  or  three  feet,  they  are  round,  faintly  stri- 
ped and  covered  with  hair  or  down  which  is  scarcely  per- 
ceptible, the  leaves  are  scattering,  supported  on  long  fool 
stalks,  which  sheath  the  stem,  and  like  it  are  covered  with 
down,  which  becomes  hard  and  rough  as  the  plant  attains 
maturity.     Flowers  are  large  and  yellow. 

This  root  is  much  used  in  the  cure  of  fevers  bv  the 
Cherokee  Indians,  and  it  seldom  fails,  in  their  hands,  to  ef- 
fect a  speedy  cure.  A  strong  decoction  of  the  root  when 
drank  free!}-,  operates  as  an  emetic  and  gentle  purgative* 
and  promotes  a  Iree  perspiration.  It  is  a  very  valuable 
article  in  colds  and  female  obstructions.  It  may  be  used 
alone  or  combined  with  other  emetics. 


GILLENIA—  {Gillenia  Trifoliata.) 

Gilienia  grows  in  rich  shady  woods,  where  the  soil  i* 
light,  and  has  a  branched  and  very  knotty  root,  several, 
smooth,  slender,  erect  stems  spring  up  from  the  same  root, 
considerably  branched  and.  of  a  reddish  tinge,  the  leaver 
are  alternate  and  slightly  toothed, the  flowers  few  and  scat- 
tered. 

A  decoction  made  by  boiling  this  root  in-  water  has  a 
beautiful  red  color,  and  a  very  bitter  taste..  It  is  a  valua- 
ble emetic  and  may  be  taken  in  decoction,  or  the  powdered 
root  taken  in  warm  water,,  until  vomiting  is  produced. — 
Dose  for  an  adult  is  a  tea-spoonful  of  the  pulverized  root 
put  into  a  half  gill  of  hot  water,  one-fourth  of  which  must 
be  taken  every  fifteen  minutes  litntil  it  operates. 


186  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

CLASS  NO.  II. 


CATHARTICS. 

Cathartics  are  a  class  of  medicines,  which  increase  the 
'frequency  of  the  stools,  by  quickning  the  peristaltic  mo- 
tion. Of  this  class  of  medicines  there  are  two  kinds,  which 
are  distinguished  according  to  their  degrees  of  activity. — 

Those  which  operate  with  mildness  are  called  laxatives, 
and  those  which  operate  with  violence  and  activity  are  call- 
ed purgatives,  the  harshest  of  which  are  called  drastic 
purges.  Those  articles  both  laxatives  and  purgatives,  will 
be  placed  under  the  general  head  cathartics. 

Very  few  diseases  to  which  the  human  family  are  sub- 
ject can  be  relieved  without  the  use  of  medicines  of  this 
class,  which  is  fully  shown  in  the  treatment  of  the  different 
diseases. 


[co-hee.] 
BUTTERNUT,  WHITE  WALNUT.— {Inglans  Cineria.) 

This  tree  is  well  known  in  this  country  by  the  name  of 
white  Walnut.  The  inner  bark  of  this  tree  and  especially 
the  root  affords  one  of  the  best  purgative  medicines  with 
which  I  am  acquainted.  In  bilious  fevers,  bilious  cholics 
and  in  most  cases  where  an  active  purge  is  required,  some 
physicians  object  to  this  article  on  account  of  its  drastic 
and  stimulating  properties,  but  it  may  be  easily  rendered 
one  of  the  mildest  and  yet  one  of  the  most  certain  cathar- 
tics now  in  use  by  combining  it  wilh  gulver  root.  The 
manner  of  extracting  the  virtue  of  this  bark  is  by  boiling 
it  in  water  for  several  hours  and  then  strain  out  the  bark 
and  boil  the  decoction  to  the  consistency  of  molasses  or 
spills,  if  desired,  from  three  to  five  of  these  pills  when  fresh 
will  operate  on  the  bowels  of  most  persons;  if  the  gulver 
is  to  be  added,  put  the  root  in  and  boil  it  with  the  butter- 
nut bark.  White  walnut  forms  all  ingredient  in  Fore- 
man's anti-bilious  pillsy  and  these  pills  are  used  by  the. 
Cherokee.  Indians  in  almost  all  cases  where  a  purge  h 
thought  by  them  to  be  necessary.  Butternut  may  be  ad- 
ministered either  in  pills,  extract,  cordial  or  syrup.  Its 
fraedical  virtues,  as  I  have  before  told  you,  are  confined  to 
the  inner  bark,  and  the  proper  time  forgetting  it  in  the 
full  possession  of  its  virtues,  is  about  the  month  of  June — 


INDIAN  .GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  187 

the  bark  at  this  time  in  the  year  is  considerably  morfr 
powerful  than  at  any  other  season. 

RHEUBARB.— (Rheum  Palniatum.) 

Rheubarb  is  a  native  of  some  parts  of  Asia  and  of  the. 
East  Indies,  but  is  now  cultivated  both    in  Europe  and 
America,  for  medicinal  purposes.     The   root  kept  in  the 
shops  for  sale,  is  imported  from  Russia,   Turkey   and  the 
E?st  Indies,  but  that  which  is  cultivated  in   our  own  gar- 
dens, is  equal  if  not  superior  to  the  best  imported.     The 
greatest  inconvenience  which    attends  the  cultivation  of 
this  root  is,  the  great  length  of  time  which  it  requires  for  it 
to  come  to  perfection.     Those  acquainted  with  its  cultiva- 
tion say,  that  it  ought  not  to  be  used  until  it  is  from  six  to 
ten  years  of  age.     Its  cultivation  is  by  no  means  difficult 
it  is  merely  to  sow  the  seeds  in  a  light  soil  in  the  spring,  to 
transplant  the  smaller  roots  the    next  spring  into  a  light 
soil,  well  trenched;  set  the  small  roots  about  three  or  four 
feet  apart.     The  third  year  the  plants  will  produce  the 
flowers;  but  the  root  is  not  fit  for  use  before  the  fall  of  the 
-sixth    year,    and    will     not     have     attained     the     full 
power  of  its  virtues  before  the  tenth  year;  it  may,  howev- 
er, be  used  after  the  fall  of  the  sixth  year,  with  tolerable 
success  as  a  purge.     The  proper  time  to  take  up  the  root, 
is  in  the  fall  after  the  leaves  decay,  or  in  the  spring  before 
they  put  forth.     When  taken  up,  ihe  roots  should  be  wash- 
ed clean  and  the  small  fibers  together,  with  the  external 
rind  pared  off,   after  which,  thev  must  be  Carefully  hung 
up  in  a  dry  place,  no  two  touching  each  other,  lest  they 
mould,  until  they  are  completely  dried,  which  will  require 
from  six  to  twelve  months. 

Rheubarb  is  one  of  the  mildest,  best  and  most  pleasant 
purgatives  now  in  use,  with  its  purgative  properties  it  is 
also  astringent  and  strengthening;  in  this  particular  it  dif- 
fers from  most  cathartics.  It  is  superior  to  nearly  all  pur- 
ges for  anol  her  reason,  it  may  be  laken  with  opium  and" 
act  on  the  bowels  as  well  as  if  taken  without  it.  This  is 
a  vast  advantage,  whsre  purging  would  be  attended  with 
great  pain,  it  may  be  relieved  by  opium,  and  the  rheubarb 
is  left  free  to  act  on  the  bowels. 

It  ma}T  always  be  given  with  safety  in  all  cases  of  extreme 
weakness,  where  a  purge  to  open  the  bowels  becomes  nec- 
essary, and  violent  and  severe  purging  would  be  highly 
improper.     It  is  a  valuable  purge  lor  children,  even  at  a 


188  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH, 

very  early  period  of  life  and  in  every  situation  where  their 
bowels  become  disordered,  particularly  in  dysentery  or  lax. 
It  is  also  a  valuable  purge  for  grown  persons  laboring  un- 
der this  complaint. 

There  are  various  modes  of  administering  Rheubarb, 
such  as  in  tincture,  which  means  steeping  it  in  any  kind 
of  spirits,  in  tea,  &c.  But  the  best  and  most  certain  meth- 
od of  giving  this  root  is  in  fine  powder.  A  dose  for  a 
grown  person  is  from  a  tea  to  a  table-spoonful.  It  may 
be  used  in  tea  or  decoction,  but  by  being  heated  it  looses 
Some  of  its  strength  or  purgative  properties.  A  valuable 
tincture  or  bitter,  for  persons  afflicted  with  asthma,  may 
be  made  as  follows:  Take  of  the  root  of  Rheubarb  pulver- 
ized, one  ounce,  of  cinnamon  bark  one  ounce,  and  one 
ounce  of  cloves,  put  all  three  of  these  articles  into  a  quart 
of  peach  brandy,  let  it  digest  eight  or  ten  days,  shaking  it 
well  each  day.  This  tincture  may  be  used  as  other  bitters, 
according  to  the  strength  and  constitution  of  the  patient. 

l?EA.CR-TREE.—(Amtjgdoluspesica.) 

This  tree,  so  common  in  all  parts  of  our  country,  not  on- 
ly affords  us  a  pleasant,  delicious  and  wholesome  fruit, 
but  also  furnishes  us  with  some  very  valuable  medicine. — 
Medical  virtues  of  great  value  are  to  be  found  in  the  bark, 
leaves,  blossoms,  kernels,  and  gum.  The  flowers,  if  gath- 
ered in  full  bloom,  and  dried  in  the  shade,  are  equal,  if  not 
superior,  to  either  the  imported  or  the  American  senna,  in 
all  cases  in  which  it  is  useful,  either  among  infants  or  adults. 
A  tea  of  either  the  bark,  leaves  or  flowers,  will  purge  the 
bowels  free!}'  and  without  the  least  griping.  Dose  lor  an 
infant,  is  a  tea-spoonful  every  half  hour  until  it  operates — 
for  an  adult,  it  must  be  taken  in  larger  quantities;  they  al- 
so actus  a  purgative  when  taken  in  syrup.  The  syrup  is 
prepared  by  boiling  the  tea  or  decoction  of  the  bark,  leaves, 
or  blossoms,  over  a  slow  fire,  with  an  equal  quantity  of 
honev,  molasses  or  sugar  to  the  consistency  of  svruv.  The 
bark,  leaves,  and  flowers,  all  or  either,  made  into  a  strong 
tea,  and  taken  a  gill  every  hour  until  it  operates  on  the 
Btomach,  bowels  and  skin,  (for  taken  freely  in  this  way.  it 
will  puke,  purge  and  sweat  the  patient)  has  frequently 
ihrownoif  bilious  fever  in  its  fust  stage,  without  the  aid 
of  other  remedies.  A  decoction  of  the  bark,  leaves,  or 
blossoms,  sweetened  with  honey  or  sugar,  is  excellent,  giv- 
en to  children  a  tea-spoonful  every  half  hour  u  til  it  ope- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  189 

r&tes,  for  worms,  hives,  diseases  of  the  skin,  fevers,  &c— 
The  gum  ol  this  tree  will  answer  all  the.  purposes  for  which 
gumarabic  is  used;  it  forms  one  of  the  best  injections  now 
in  use  for  dvsentary  or  flux. 

The  kernels  taken  from  the  peach  stone  is  a  very  power- 
ful tonic,  and  may  be  used  alone  or  combined  with  other 
articles  in  cases  of  extreme  debility.  Children  that  are  in 
the  habit  of  eating  peach  kernels  are  seldom  afflicted  with 
worms  to  any  extent.  These  kernels  tinctured  in  brandy 
in  proportion  about  four  ounces  to  a  quart,  form  a  power- 
ful tonic,  and  will  be  found  beneficial  in  most  cases  of  de- 
bility. It  is  very  good  for  the  Whites  or  Flour  Albus  in 
females: — the  dose  is  a  tea-spoonful  two  or  three  times  a 
tlav. 


[te-nah-tah-na-skee.] 

BLACK  ROOT,  BRINTON  ROOT,  GULVER  ROOT, 
BOWMAN'S  ROOT.— {Leptandria  Alba.) 

This  root  is  generally  found  growing  in  low  wettislt 
lands  near  streams  and  open  glades  or  plains.  It  has  a 
dark  colored,  perrenial  root,  which  grows  from  a  long 
woody  candex  or  head.  Several  stems  spring  up  from 
the  same  root — they  are  round,  hairy  and  generally  grow 
from  two  to  four  feet  high — they  are  branched  towards 
the  top,  the  branches  bearing  on  their  tops  a  spike  or  tas- 
sle  of  white,  crowded  flowers.  The  leaves  are  long,  nar- 
row, pointed,  and  their  edges  indented  with  unequal  teeth, 
growing  in  whorls  of  four  or  five  at  a  joint.  I  am  authoriz- 
ed from  personal  experience  to  give  this  root  a  high  re- 
commendation as  an  efficient  purge,  operating  with  mild- 
ness and  certainty,  without  producing  that  depression  of 
the  living  powers  which  so  commonly  result  from  the  ope- 
ration of  purgative  medicines.  .It  forms  an  ingredient  in 
Foreman's  anti-bilious  pills,  and  in  this  preparation  rei  - 
ders  mild  the  exciting  properties  of  the  butternut,  and  en- 
ables us  to  enjoy  at  once  the  active  properties  of  the  but- 
ternut, and  the  antiseptic  properties  of  the  brinton  root. — 
This  root  appears  to  be  peculiarly  adapted  to  typhus  and 
bilious  fevers — it  is  with  us  the  most  appropriate  purge 
to  carry  off  the  tarry,  morbid  matter  from  the  intestines  in 
these  complaints.  The  dose  is  a  heaping  tea-spoonful  in 
a  gill  of  boiling  water,  repeated  in  three  hours,  it  seldom 
fails  to  operate  in  that  length  of  time.    This  root  may.  be 


190  1NMAN  GUIDE  TO  HEAlflSH;. 

made  into  pills  if  preferred.  It  also  forms-our  favorite  eme-- 
tic  when  combined  with  Indian  physic,  05  American  .ipeca- 
cuanha, in  most  cases  where  an  emetic  is  required}, 

This  root  is  also  a  diaphoretic,  tpnic  and  antiseptic, 
which  properties  added  to  its  cathartic- powers, ;;  render  it' 
so  valuable  to  evacuate  the  contents  qf thq>  bowels  in  fe- 
vers. It  is  excellent  in  tincture  for  chronic  or  lingering- 
complaints,  where  persons  have,-  recovered  imperfectly 
from  fevers,  agues,  dropsies.  &c.  This  root  may,  be  use^d. 
either  green,  dry,  in  tea,  powders,  pills,, or  tincture. 


[AH-SUR-GEE-CAIVTE^SAY-TSErYOU-STA.J' 

AMERICAN  SENNA— (Cassia  Marilandica.) 

This  valuable  plant  islound-in  most  parts  of  the  United 
Htates,  growing  generally  in  rich  soils,  and  near  streams. 
It  has  a  black,  woody,  crooked,  fibrous  perennial  root.  Se- 
veral stems  rising  from- one  root  to  the  height  of  from  three 
to  six  feet;  they  are  round  upright  and  nearly  smooth.  Its 
leaves  are  alternate,  large,  and  composed  of  many  small 
leaves  growing  in  pairs  on  one  central  stem  or  petiole. — 
The  flowers  are  of  a  bright,  yellow  or  orange  color  forming 
a  square  cluster  at  the  top  of  the  stem.  The  fruit  consists 
of  long  pods,  a  little  swelled  at  the  seeds,  and  bears  a  slight 
resemblance  to  tlie  locust  pod,  though  not  near  so  broad. 

The  American  senna  is^cathartic;  and  is  valuable  among 
children  or  infants  where  a  purge  is  necessary,  it  may  be 
taken  combined  with  sweet  fennel'  seed  to  great  advan- 
tage. Take  a  half  ounce  of  the  leaves  and  put  them  into 
three  gills  of  hot  water,  take  a  table-spoonful  for  a  dose 
every  two  hours  until  it  operates.  If  the  bowels  be  hard 
to  evacuate,  it  may  be  taken  in.  larger  quantities.  Many 
white  physicians  use  the  American  in  preferrence  to  the 
imported  senna.  For  an  adult  it  may  be  prepared  and  ta- 
ken in  the  same  manner  as  directed  for  children  only  in 
larger  quantities. 


[0  J-NEE-  SQU  A-TOO-  K  E  \\  ] 

MAY  APPLE,  MANDRAKE.— (Podophyllum  Peltatum.) 
The  Mayapple  is  a  well  known  plant  growing  in  most 
parts  of  the  United  States,  in  shady  moist  lands.  It  has  a 
perennial  root,  long,  round  and  jointed,  with  many  fibres 
or  small  roots  issuing  at  each  joint,  the  root  runs  horizon- 


TNLHAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH:  191 

?,al  in    the   ground,  stem    erect,    smooth,    round,    from 
twelve  to  eighteen  inches  high,  of   a  yellowish  green  co- 
color,  stem  forked, ,  each   branch  bearing  a  single  large . 
leaf  at  the  top,  between  which  in  the  fork  when  it  is  ia 
bloom  there  is  a.single  white  flower,  which  is  succeeded  by 
a  yellow  acid  fruit.     The  fruit  of  this  plant  is  good  for 
food.     The   leaves  are  poisonous,  and  its  medical  virtues 
are  wholly  confined  to  the  root.     The  proper  time  for  gath-,. 
ering  the  root  is  late  in  the  fall  when  the  leaves  begin  to, 
die.     It  should  be  carefully  dried  in  the  shade,  and  used  in 
the  form  of  powders. 

The  American  May  Apple  is  an  excellent,  gentle,,  andS 
effective  purge,  when  properly  used.  It  is  acknowledged 
by  many  white  physicians  to  be  far  superior  to  the  jalap 
obtained  in  their  shops;  it  operates  more  gently  as  a  purge 
than  jalap,  and  a  much  longer  time.  It  is  also  preferable 
to  jalap  in  other  respects,  it  is  less  nauseous  and  more  eas- 
ily taken;  less  irritating  to  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and 
may  be  more  easily  used  by  delicate  females  and  persons 
having  weak  and  sensitive  stomachs.  It  is  an  excellent 
article  in  intermittent  fevers,  it  is  alsp.good  in  dropsy,  pleu- 
risy, and  in  incontinuence  of  urine.  The  dose  is  from  half 
to  a  whole  tea-spoonful  of  the  powders,  in  very  large  do- 
ses; it  operates  with  activity  and  power.  If  griping  is  ap- 
prehended, mix  it  with  an  equal  quantity  of  gulver-root. — 
The  index  will  refer  you  to  a  full  description  of  this  root. 
The  Indians  frequently  roast  the  May- Apple,  root*  and  use 
it  in  this  way;:  this  renders  it  more  mild  and  less  drastic  in 
its  operations.  A.  few  drops  of  the  expressed  juice,  put  in- 
to the  ear,  is  a  valuable  remedy  for  deafness.  The  pow- 
dered root  is  good  to  cleanse  foul  and  ill-conditioned  ulcers 
it  destroys  the  proud  flesh  without  injuring  the  sound;  it 
also  removes  the  morbid  matter,  and  promotes  the  exfolia- 
tion of  carious  or  rotton  bones.  The  proper  manner  of  ap- 
plying it  to  ulcers  and  sores,  is  by  sprinkling  the  powder- 
once  in  from  two  to  four  days.  \ 


MULBERRY,  TREE— (Morus  Nigva^ 

The  Mulberry  is  too  well  known  to  need 'description;  it- 
grows  in  great  abundance  in  almost  all  parts  pf  North  A- 
merica.     The  tree  bears  a  very  delicious  fruit,  which  in 
common  with  many  other  fruits,  possesses  the  property  of 
quenching  thirst,  abating  heat,  and  opening  the  bowels 


192  INDIAN  GUIDE  TOHEALTH. 

as  a  gentle  laxative.  A  syrup  made  of  the  ripe  fruit  is  one 
of  the  most  innocent,  agreeable  and  certain  purges  in  our 
knowledge  for  infants  of  costive  habits. 

The  inner  bark  of  the  root  of  the  common  black  mulber- 
vry-tree,  in  doses  of  from  half  to  a  whole  tea-spoonful  of  the 
powder  operates  as  an  excellent  purgative. 

A  strong  decoction  in  the  bark  made  into  soup,  with  an 
•equal  quantity  of  molasses  taken  in  doses  of  a  Avine  glass 
lull,  not  only  proves  an  excellent  purgative,  but  it  is  also 
useful  to  expel  worms,  particularly  the  tape  worm.  The 
"inner  bark  of  the  root  digested  in  whiskey,  makes  a  valua- 
ble laxative  bitter. 

FLUX  WEED,  WITCH  WEED. 

This  is  a  small  weed,  growing  from  six  inches  to  a  foot 
high.  The  leaf  is  stiff  and  full  of  little  stickers  or  spines 
all  around  the  edges  of  it — it  bears  a  small  prickly  burr 
which  contains  the  seeds.  The  seeds  are  black,  and  are 
the  part  used  for  medicine.  They  are  a  very  gentle  laxa- 
tive and  anodyne.  The  mcde  of  preparing  them  for  use  i« 
to  boil  a  gill  of  ihe  seed  in  a  quart  of  new  milk,  and  of 
this  decoction  give  a  gill  every  half  hour  until  it  operate* 
on  the  bowels  or  relief  is  obtained.  This  preparation  is 
an  excellent  remedy  for  dysentary,  diarrhce  and  bowel 
complaints  generally,  giving  immediate  relief  in  almost, 
all  cases  in  which  it  is  taken — in  obstinate  cases  it  will 
be  well  to  add  a  few  drops  of  Laudanum  to  the  above  de- 
coction. 


BUCK /THORN— (Rhamnvs  Cathoi  liens.) 
Buck  thorn  is- a  shrub  or  bush  found  growing  in  the  woods 
and  about  hedges— '&  genera  Ily  grows  to  the  height  of  from 
ten  to  fifteen  feel — it  flowers  in  June  and  the  fruit  ripens 
in  September.  The  fruit  "when  ripe  has  a  faint  disagreea- 
ble smell,  and  ajjtkening  bitter  taste.  Bolh  the  bark  and 
fruit  of  this  shrimps  a  very  powerful  cathartic:  it  is  very 
active  and  drasne  in  its  operation,  unless  used  in  combi- 
nation with  other  articles  to  moderate  its  effects — the  ber- 
ries is  the  part,  generally  used  for  the  cathartics,  and  when 
taken  alone,  they  produce  griping  sickness  and  dryness  of 
the  mouth  and  throat,— leaving  a  thirst  of  long  continu- 
ance. A  decoction  of  the  bark  of  this  shrub,  used  as  a 
wash  is  a  certain  cure  for  itch — it  is  good  for  sore  or  infla- 
ted eyes, 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  193 

BENNE  PLANT.— [Sesmman  Orientate.] 

This  plant  is  much  cultivated  in  the  gardens  of  the 
middle  and  southern  states — it  is  a  native  product  of  Afri- 
ca; but  of  late  years,  the  seeds  have  been  introduced  into 
South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  by  the  African  negroes,  and 
is  now  cultivated  to  a  considerable  extent,  and  is  highly 
prized  for  its  medical  properties. 

It  has  a  large,  four  cornered  stalk,  growing  from  two  to 
four  feet  high,  sending  out  a  few  short  side  branches. — 
Leaves  are  opposite,  oblong,  oval,  and  a  little  hairy. — 
Flowers  are  small,  of  a  dirty,  white  color,  succeeded  by 
the  seeds  which  ripen  in  the  fall. 

The  leaves  and  seeds  afford  a  valuable  mucallagenous 
substance  in  decoction,  or  infusion;  that  of  the  seeds  is 
oily.  T  his  infusion  of  the  decoction  is  valuable  in  flux, 
dysentary,  cholera-infantum  or  any  other  disease  of  the 
bowels.  The  seeds  yield  a  greater  proportion  of  oil  than 
any  other  known  vegatable.  One  hundred  pounds  of  the 
seeds  is  said  to  yield  ninety  pounds  of  oil.  This  oil  is  a 
good  mild  cathartic  medicine — and  is  much  more  pleasant 
to  'he  taste  than  castor  oil;  it  is  said  to  keep  many  years 
without  contracting  any  rancid  smell  or  taste;  it  is  also 
said  to  answer  all  purposes  of  salad  oil.  It  is  mild  in  its 
operations,  and  as  to  the  dose,  it  should  be  taken  until  it 
produces  the  desired  effect. 


ALOE  OR  ALOES.— (Aloe  perl ioata.) 

Aloes  is  distinguished  into  three  kind. <  or  species — as 
caballine,  soeottorine  and  hepatic.  The  two  last  are  the 
best  for  use.  Cabalina  is  called  horse  aloes.  The  soco'.- 
tjrine  aloes  is  the  resinous  product  of  a  plant  growing  in 
the  Indian  Ocean.  It  has  a  dark  yellowish  red  color,  a. 
glossy, -clear  surface,  and  is  in  some  degr%e  pellucid;  it  is 
easily  pulverized,  and  when  reduced  to  a  powder,  is  of  a 
bright  golden  color.  Its  taste  is  bitteif  and  disagreeable, 
though  accompanied  with  an  aromatic'  flavor. 

The  hepatic  aloes  is  so  called,  because  it  is  said  to  have 
a  more  direct  and  specific  action  on  the  liver,  than  the  oth- 
er kinds  have.  It  has  a  strong  disagreeable  smell,  and  an 
intensely  bitter  sickening  taste,  accompanied  with  but  very 
little,  if  any  of  the  aromatic  flavor  of  the  socottorine. — 
Aloes  is  a  valuable  medicine;  and  may  be   used  in  pills, 


194  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALT|L 

powders  or  tincture.     It  is  said  by  white  physicians  to  be 
om?  of  the  best  correctors  of  the  bile   or  biliary  system. — 
J4  is  also  goo4  for  worms;  from  two  to  four  grains  will  act 
op  the  bowels. 


CLASS  I?o.  lift. 


STIMULANTS. 

Stimulants  are  of  a  class  of  medicines,  whichexcite  a 
nev\j  and  stronger  action  in  the  system,  brj in  some  part  of 
it,  in  order  to  overcome  an  existing;  one,  which  is  morbid, 
or  two  languid;  or  so  excite  the  operation  of  an  obstructed 
one.  Those  which  produce  permanent,  and  enduring  ef- 
fects are  called  Tonics.  Stimulants  are  distinguished  into 
two  classes  those  which  produce  a  universal  excitement 
throughout  the  system,  are  termed  Diffusable  Stimulants, 
and  those  which  are  employed  to  excite  in  some  particular 
organ  cr  organs,  are  called  Local  Stimulants. 

GARLIC— {Allium  Sativum.) 

This  valuable  article  is  cultivated  in  gardens  for  its 
medical  virtues  and  is  two  well  known  to  require  a  de- 
scription. 

Garlic  is  a  stimulant,  carminative,  diuretic,  anti-scarbu- 
tic  expectorant,  and  slightly  cathartic*     As  a  stimulant,  it. 
is  both  powerful  and  diffusable,  and  on  this  account  is  very 
useful  for  persons  of  cold  phlegmatic  habits.     It  forms  an.', 
ingredient  in   Foreman's  Phthisic   mixture.     The   syrupj, 
increases  the  appetite,  assists  digestion,  removes  flatulence,/ 
promotes  perspiration  and  has  long  been  esteemed  as  use- 
ful for  scurvey,  dropsey  and  asthma.     A  very  respectable 
white  physician,  ,fo\  the   old   school,  asserts   that  twenty 
cloves  of  Garlic,"  taken  one  of  a   morning,  well  pounded 
and  mixed  with  common  brown  sugar,  will  cure  any  com- 
mon case  of  asthma. 

Garlic  applied  to  the  soles  of  the  feet,  says  a  respectable 
white  physician,  "exceeds  any  other  application  to  produce; 
a  revulsion  from  the  head,"  and  on  this  account,  the  garlic 
poultice  to  the  feet  and  the  syrup  taken  internally,  is  a 
most  excellent  remedy  for  collection^of  humors  in  the 
J>rain.  It  is  also  very  good  for  croup,  sore  throat,  for  this 
apply, the  poultice  to  the  feet,  and  anrioint  the  throat  and 


INDIAN   GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.-  pMT> 

breast  wit  a- an  ointment  made  by  bruising  the  gar  lie  and 
adding  some  lard.  In  malignant  sore-throat  the  poultice 
applied  to  the  throat  also,  will  be  found  of  service. 

Cotton  or  wool,  wet  in  the  juice  of  garlic  and  put  in  the 
ear  and  renewed  three  or  four  times  a  day,  is  valuable  for 
deafness,  it  has  often  removed  it  when  other  remedies  had 
failed. 

The  Garlic  poultice,  applied  to  the  feet  in  the  low  stage 
of  accute  disorders,  and  nervous  fever,  is  good  to  raise 
the  pulse,  relieve  the  head  and  in  crease  the  general  action 
of  the  system.  Garlic  given  in  tincture  to  children  of  a 
morning,  will  prevent  wormss,  cholics,  &c.  The  juice  or 
syrup  is  far  preferable  to  BrCte man's  drops,  paragoric  and 
manv  other  articles  of  the  kind  so  often  given  to  infants  for 
the  cholic;  in  this  case,  a  few  drops  of  the  expressed  juice 
or  syrup  should  be  given  every  morning. 

The  proper  manner  of  making  the  Garlic  poultice,  is  to 
mix  equal  quantities  of  bruised  Garlic  and  crumbs  of 
bread,  moistened  wit  vinegar*  The  Garlic,  when  applied 
alone,  will  draw,  a  blister. 


CALIM0S,  SWEET4FLAG— (Ocorus  Cabimus.) 

Calimus  grows  mostly  3  in  low  marshy  places,  and  in 
•hallow  water.  It!  has  long,  sword-shaped  leaves,  resem- 
bling those  of  the  flag,  only  they  are  much  narrower  and 
of  a  brighter  green,  they  put  out  irom  the  root  without  a 
stock,  in  the  same  manner  as  those^of  the  Flag.  Its  root 
has  a  strong  aromatic  .smell,  and  a  warm  bitter  taste. — 
The  flavor  is-  improved  by  drying"  the  root,  it  possesses 
itimulant  and  stomachic  virtues,  and  is  an  excellent  arti- 
cle in  flatulent  cholics,  tor  both  children  and  grown  persons; 
for  this  purpose,  gvate  >e&  pfund  the  root  and  put  into  wa- 
ter, or  make  into  tea.  - .  It!  •  is  recommended  by  some  for 
White  .Swelling,,  prepared  as  follows.-  • 

At  the  .commencement'  of  this  disease,  make  a  strong 
decoction  of.  the  root  of- white  willow,\thicken  it  with  flour 
and  apply  it.to  scatter.  .  If  this  should  fail  and  the  swell- 
ing increase^  when  it  becomes  ripe  lance  it  deep  and  let  it 
run.  Then  take  equal  'quantities  of  brimstone  and  cali- 
mus root,  both  finely  pulverized  and  put  them  in  a  dry 
gourd  prepared  for  the  -purpose.  Then  take  p£  cpttimon 
lead  that  will  make  as  much  when  melted  as  yp.urhave  of 
either  of  the  otherarticles,  melt  the,  lead  and  pqur  it  slow 


106  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

]y  into  the  gourd,  at  the  same  time  shaking  the  gourd;  the 
gourd  must  be  well  shook  until  the  contents  become  cool. 
The  above  process  will  convert  the  lead  and  calimusinto 
a  powder  resembling  gunpowder.  Take  of  this  powder 
and  introduce  it  as  far  in  the  orifice  as  convenient,  and 
then  apply  some  of  the  same  externally  to  the  affected 
part.  The  above  treatment  is  said  by  some  to  be  a  never 
failing  remedy  for  White  Swelling.  I  have  never  tried  it 
personally,  as  the  mode  of  treatment  laid  down  under  the 
head  of  White  Swelling  in  this  book,  has  never  failed  to 
fill  my  most  sanguine  expectations.  Calimus  is  also  good 
to  expell  worms  when  taken  repeatedly. 

MOOR-WORT.— (Androt?ieda  Marienna.) 

Moor- Wort  grows  plentifully  in  many  parts  of  the 
Southern  States.  A  strong  decoction  of  this  plant  is  high- 
ly esteemed  as  a  stimulating  wash,  and  is  very  useful  in 
ulcerations  of  the  feet,  such  as  toe-itch,  ground-itch,  a" 
complaint  very  common  and  troublesome  among  the  blacks 
in  some  parts  of  the  Southern  States.  It  is  also  good  for 
ulcerations  on  other  parts  of  the  body,  and  forms  an  excel- 
lent wash  for  indolent  ulcers,  as  it  stimulates  them  and 
disposes  them  to  heal. 

[oo-wa-sco-you.] 

BLUE  FLAG,  GLEET  ROOT. 

Blue  Flag  Generally  grows  in  low  situations  or  flat 
lands  and  near  strsams.  It  is  called  by  the  whites  Blue 
Flag  or  Wild  Flag,  but  by  the  Indians  it  is  called  Gleet 
J'oot,  from  its  great  efficacy  in  the  cure  of  Gleet.  It? 
leaves  are  of  a  deep  green  color,  and  in  shape  resemble 
those  of  the  calimus,  they  grow  to  the  height  of  from  six 
to  eight  inches,  it  blooms  in  June  or  July;  flowers  are  blue. 
with  a  bright  yellow  tinge  in  (he  centre— the  root  lies  very 
shallow,  being  seldom  entirely  covered  with  earth — on  the 
main  root  grow  several  small  knots  or  lumps  about  the 
size  of  a  small  bean,  they  grow  from  one  to  five  or  six 
inches  apart  on  the  main  root.  The  root  is  the  part  used 
for  medicine,  and  is  one  of  "the  most  permanent  stimulants 
with  which  I  am  acquainted,  and  is  generally  useful 
where  articles  of  this  kind  are  needed.  A  decoction  made 
by  boiling  this  root  with  an  equal  quantity  of  dew-berry 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  197 

brier  root,  is  not  surpassed  by  any  article  in  the  Indian 
Materia  Medica  in  the  cure  of  Gleet.  It  will  also  cure  the 
Venereal. 

This  root  pulverized  and  stewed  in  hog's  lard,  sheep 
suet  and  beeswax,  forms  a  most  excellent  salve  for  ulcers, 
particularly  cancerous  ulcers;  combined  with  other  articles, 
it  forms  a  valuable  salve  in  all  cases  where  a  drawing 
salve  is  needed,  but  is  too  severe  in  most  cases  when  used 
alone. 


SAGE.— (Sahia.) 


Sage  is  cultivated  in  most  gardens  for  its  medical  vir- 
tues and  for  culinary  purposes.  An  infusion  or  tea  of  the 
leaves  sweetened  with  sugar  or  honey,  is  good  in  colds, 
coughs,  nervous,  debility,  weakly  females  and  persons  of 
phlegmatic  habits.  A  syrup  or  wax  made  by  stewing  sage 
leaves  in  honey  until  the  strength  is  extracted,  affords  pres- 
ent relief  in  Asthma.  I  do  not  pretend  to  say  that  it  will 
effect  an  entire  cure  for  the  disease,  but  it  will  relieve  the 
*pasm  or  fit  immediately,  and  give  ease  until  other  reme- 
dies can  be  had.  If  the  honey  is  not  at  hand,  make  a  very 
strong  tea  of  the  leaves  and  put  in  it  a  tea-spoonful  of 
the  flour  of  sulpher,  this  will  also  give  temporary  ease. — 
It  is  a  mild  diaphoretic  and  is  valuable  in  all  cases  where 
such  articles  are  required. 


[oo-tah-lee] 

MIST  LETOE—  ( Viscum.) 

Mistletoe,  which  is  sometimes  called  Misseldine,  is  an 
evergreen  which  groes  on  several  kinds  of  trees.  That 
which  grows  on  the  oak  is  best  for  medicine.  It  is  gocd 
for  epilepsy  or  fits — for  this  purpose  gather  the  mistletoe 
about  the  last  of  November  or  first  of  December,  dry  and 
pulverize  it,  and  preserve  it  in  well  corked  bottles. 

[te-tah-na-tah-wa-skee.] 

SEVEN   BARK, 

Is  a  shrub  or  herb  growing  mostly  in  low,  wet,  thin  soil, 
its  height  is  from  eight  to  ten  feet,  it  is  covered  with  seve- 
ral coats  of  thin  bark,  which  always  appear  to  be  scaling 
or  pealing  off,  has  large  tough  leaves,  flowers  white,  ap- 


108  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

'  pear  in  May  and  remain  on  the  bush  the  principal  part  of 
the  year.  The  bark  and  leaves  have  a  very  pungent,  ac- 
rid taste,  somewhat  similar  to  'that  of  prickly  ash. 

The  inner  bark  and  leaves  are  the  parts  used.  It  is 
stimulant,  antiseptic,  and  antiemetic — valuable  applied 
to  ulcers,  tumors,  sprains,  &c.  Also  taken  in  tea  to  stop 
vomiting. 


CAMPHOR  TREE— (Laurus  Camphora.) 

The  article  known  in  this  country  as  gum  camphor,  is 
the  product  of  the  camphor  tree,  which is  a  native  of  Japan 
and  grows  in  great  abundance  and  to  a  considerable  size 
in  the  forests,  of  that  country.  The  branches;,  trunk  and 
roots,  all  contain  the  gum.  It  is  separated  from  them  by  a 
process  called  sublimation,  which  is  something  similar  to 
distillation.  The  tincture  of  camphor  is* a  very  common 
family  medicine,  and  is  certainly  one  of  the  best  common- 
place medicines  known  to  me.  It  is  a  valuable  sweating 
medicine  in  all  cases  that  require  it,  such  as  colds  winter 
fevers,  &c.  It  is  also  an  excellent  article  in  spasmodic  af- 
fections. It  is  good  for  females  in  almost  all  hysterical  or 
nervous  diseases,  and  for  nervoas  head-ache,  both  snuffed 
and  applied  externally.  It  is  useful  as  a  stimulant  in  sick- 
ness, fainting,  &c,  and  as  an  anodyne  in  choiie,  cramp, 
&c.  When  persons  are  choaked  with  worms  a  dram  of 
camphor  will  give  immediate  relief.  It  is  excellent  for 
strains  and  bruises,  either  in  man  or  beast.  Alter  the 
stimulus  ceases,  which  has  been  produced  by  the  use  of 
camphor,  the  person  is  apt  to  feel  a  disposition  to  sleep, 
without  experiencing  any  bad  effects  from  its  use.  It 
leaves  no  disagreeable  effect  in  any  way,  if  but  a  due  por- 
tion be  taken. 


[too-yah-stee.] 

INDIAN  TURNIP—  {Arum  Triphijhm.) 
This  root  has  been  in  high  repute  among  the  American 
Indians,  time  immemorial.  It  jjrows  in  most  States  in  the* 
Union,  in  shady  woods  where  the  soil  is  light  and  rich.  I* 
has  a  perennial  root,  which  in  its  shape,  bears  a  great  re- 
semblance to  the  common  turnip,  though  it  is  smaller;  ex- 
ternally it  is  dark  and  wrinkled,  internally  it  is  white;  i;« 
stalk  grows  to  the  height  of  from  one  to  two  feet  and  is  ot 
a  reddish  purple  color,  the  leaves^are  three  in  number  of  a 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  199 

roundish;  or  ovalform,  arid  one  flower  of  the  samexolor  of 
the  leaves,  succeeded  by  a  roundish  cluster  of  berries,  of  a 
bright  and  beautiful  scarlet  color  when  ripe. 

In  its  fresh. or  green  state,  the  Indian  turnip  has  a  power- 
fully acrid,  biting  taste;  it,  is  stimulant,  expectorant,  dia- 
phoretic, and  carminative.  When  dried  it  loses  much  of 
its  intolerable  pungency,  together  with  much  of  its  virtue. 
Some  acrimony  or  sharpness  should  be  perceptible  to  the 
throat  and  tongue,  dr  the  root  has  lost  it's  powers,  and 
should  not  be  relied  on.  The  root  pounded  to  powder  and 
mixed  with  honeys  a  tea-spoonful  for  a  dose,  two  or  three 
times  a  day^s  good  for  colds,  dry  cough?,  phthisics,  &c;  it 
is  also  good  in  whooping-cough,  consumptions,  &c.  It  may 
be  taken  by  boiling  the  fresh  root  in  sweet  milk  until  toler- 
ably strong,  and  take  a  tea-cupful  morning  and  night,  the 
dose  must  be  varied  to  suit  the  strength  of  the  patient. — 
An  ointment  made  by  stewing  the  green  root  in  hog's  lard 
is  valuable 'Tor  scald  head,  keeping  the  head  cleansed  with 
soapsuds'once  a  day.  This  ointment  is  also  good  for  rine;- 
worjn,j tetter- worm,  scrofulous  sores,  &c.  "Indian  turnip  t» 
one  of  the  most  valuable  expectorants  with  which  I  anr  ac- 
quainted, and  may  be  used  alone  or  combined  with  other 
articles  in  forming  expectorant  compounds. 

'  GINGER,  RACE— WHITE,  BLACK  GINGER. 
(Amomwn  Zingiber.) 

The  article  known  in  this  country  by  this  name,'is  the 
root  of  a  perennial  shrub,  which  is  extensively  cultivated 
in  both  East  and  West  Indies.  Race  is  a  term  applied  to 
the  root  to  distinguish  it  from  that  which  is  ground  or  pul- 
verized. The  white  ginger  is  that  which  was  washed 
and  scraped  before  drying;  and  the  black  is  lhat  which 
was  washed  only  without  having  the  external,  dark  bark 
taken  off  the  root. 

Ginger  is   a  warm,  stimulating  aromatic,  and  is   a  most 
valuable  article  in  the  practice  of  medicine.     It  is  good  for 
colds  and  cholics  in  tea — for  cold,  weak   constitutions  it  is 
a  good  tonic.     It  is  good  for  females  at  their  monthly  pe- 
riods, if  the  discharges  be  too  fccant,  and  for  lying-in-wc- 
;  men.     A  weak  tea  of  ginger  is  good  for  infants  when  they 
*  are  inclined  to  be  hi  vy  or  colicky.     It  is  also  good  in  all 
'  cases  of  looseness  and  Weakness  of  tile  bowels  or  intestines; 
it  docs  not  heat  the  system  a£  muckas  the  different  kind* 


*~'00  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

of  pepper,  but  is  much  more  durable  in  its  effects.  Exter- 
nally it  is  a  very  valuable  ingredient  in  stimulating  poul- 
tices. It  is  one  of  the  best  articles  to  relieve  heart-burn 
in  pregnant  women  with  which  I  am  acquainted — for  this 
purpose  they  should  chew  the  root,  or  pulverize  it  and  take 
it  until  relief  is  obtained,  there  being  no  danger  whatever 
in  its  use. 

In  purchasing  ginger  for  medical  purposes  the  root  is  to 
be  preferred,  as  that  which  is  brought  on  in  the  pulverized 
state  is  often  prepared  of  unsound  or  worm-eaten  roots,  or 
adulterated  with  other  articles. 


BLACK  PEPPER— (Piper  Nigrum.) 

The  article  known  in  this  country  by  the  name  of  black 
pepper,  is  the  fruit  of  a  tree  which  grows  spontaneously  in 
the  East  Indies.  The  berries  are  gathered  and  dried  before 
they  are  ripe,  and  to  this  circumstance,  they  are  indebted 
for  their  black  color. 

Black  pepper  is  much  used  as  a  condiment  in  cookery. — 
It  is  stimulus  and  slightly  astringent,  and  may  be  employ- 
ed as  a  substitute  for  cayenne,  or  red  pepper,  where  they 
cannot  be  had. 


PvED  PEPPER— CAYENNE  PEPPER. 

,  (Capsicum  Annuum.) 

Cayenne  is  a  native  of  the  tropical  climates,  but  it  is  now 
cultivated  in  temperate  ones  also.  Of  this  article  there 
are  several  species,  all  possessing  the  same  medical  prop- 
erties to  a  greater  or  less  extent.  That  growing  in  Africa 
is  considered  the  best  or  strongest,  and  is  generally  called 
African  Cayenne. 

Cayenne  is  a  very  powerful  stimulant,  and  is  valuable 
in  colds,  cholic?,  &c.  It  forms  an  ingredient  in  the 
Phthisic  mixture.  The  red  pepper  poultice  applied  to  thf 
soles  of  the  feet,  in  nervous  or  low  fevers,  is  a  valuable  re- 
medy, as  it  raises  the  pulse,  and  produces  a  revulsion  from 
the  head;  it  has  good  effects  on  poultices  on  gangrenous 
parts.  The  essence  made  by  putting  three  or  four  pods  in 
a  half  pint  of  whiskey  and  burning  it  one  third  away,  is 
an  excellent  application  to  remove  pains  in  the  side  or  else- 
where, it  should  be  applied  externally  to  the  pained  part 
and  bathed  in  well,  or  a  piece  of  flannel  wet  in  this  essence 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  201 

and  kept  to  the  pained  part  as  long  and  often  as  it  can  be 
borne."  It  is  also  a  valuable  stimulant  in  animal  poisons, 
such  as  snake-bites,  &c.  When  the  other  remedies  pre- 
scribed for  snake-bite  are  not  at  hand,  give  red  pepper  in 
whiskey  freely,  until  the  pulse  is  raised,  and  repeat  as  of- 
ten as  the  pulse  sinks  or  becomes  .weak. 


SAFFRON—  (Crocus  Swims.) 

Saffron  is  cultivated  in  gardens  both  in  Europe  and  A- 
merica  for  its  medical  qualities.  It  has  a  pleasant  smell, 
and  an  aromatic,  bitter  taste;  and  when  chewed  it  im- 
parts a  deep  yellow  to  the  spittle.  It  is  a  valuable  article 
among  children — good  for  hives,  jaundice,  red  gum,  and 
eruptive  diseases  in  general. 

[too-noo-noo.] 
BUTTON  SNAKE-ROOT— (Liatris  Spicatu.) 

This  root  is  a  native  of  all  the  Southern  States  from  sea- 
board to  the.  Mississippi.  It  has  a  rough,  perennial,  fibrous 
root,  and  on  the  fibres  grow  little  button-like  knobs.  Its 
stem  is  round  and  sometimes  branched,  bearing  on  the  top 
a  spike  or  tassel  of  seal}'',  purple  flowers,  which  slightly  re- 
semble the  shape  of  an  acorn.  This  root  possesses  many 
medical  properties.  It  is  a  warming  stimulant,  a  dimetic, 
sudorific  expectorant,  carminative  and  anodyne.  A  decoc- 
tion or  tincture  of  the  root  is  a  Araluable  remedy  in  most 
cases  of  colic;  it  is  also  good  for  back-ache,  pains  in  the 
limbs,  dropsy,  &c.  It  has  a  sharp  aromatic  and  very  bit- 
ter taste,  and  when  chewed  it  produces  a  considerable 
flow  of  saliva  or  spittle.  By  many  physicians  of  reputa- 
tion, it  is  held  in  higher  estimation  than  the  seneka  snake- 
root,  which  it  very  much  resembles  in  its  effects. 


DWARF-BAY,  MEZEREON— (Daphne  Mezereum  ) 

Dwarf-Bay  mostly  grows  in  shady  woody  places  where 
the  soil  is  rich,  and  may  be  found  in  great  abundance  near 
the  Ohio  river.  The  leaves  are  spear  shaped,  flowers  put 
forth  in  Ihe  months  of  February  and  March,  and  are  of  a 
beautiful  red  or  rose  color. 

The  bark  of  the  root  is  the  part  used  for  medicine.  It 
has  an  extremely  acrid,  burning  taste,  and  is  so  irritating 


202  INDIAN  GUIBE  TO  HEALTH. 

that  it  cannot  be  used  constantly,  but  may  be  used  in  small 
portions,  and  at  intervals,  regulating  the  time  and  quanti- 
ty by  its  effects.  This  article  is  highly  stimulant  and  dia- 
phoretic, and  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  articles  in  the 
Cherokee  materia  medica  in  the  last  stages  of  the  venereal 
where  the  constitution  has  been  impaired  by  the  improp- 
er use  of  mercurv  in  this  disease,  "which  is  too  often  the 
case  under  the  old  system  of  practice.  This  article  is  then 
found  most  efficient  in  relieving  nocturnal  pains  and  re- 
moving what  is  called  venereal  nodes,  This  root  may  be 
taken  in  decoction  either  alone  or  combined  with  other  ar- 
ticles, as  may  best  suit  the  views  of  the  patient. 


(goo-goo.) 

BUTTERFLY    WEED,    PLEURISY    ROOT,    FLUX- 
ROOT,  &c. — (Asdepias  Tubcrosa. 

This  beautiful  plant  is  a  native  of  every  State  in  the 
Union,  but  is  most  abundant  in  the  south  and  southwestern 
■States.  It  flourishes  best  and  grows  to  the  greatest  per- 
fection in  light,  sandy,  or  gravelly  soil,  and  is  frequently 
found  along  fences  and  near  stumps  in  grain  fields.  It 
has  a  large,  crooked,  branched,  perennial  root,  of  a  light 
brown  color  on  the  outside,  and  white  within,  several 
stems  rise  from  the  same  root,  sometimes  they  are  twenty 
or  thirty  in  number,  about  the  size  of  a  pipe  stem  and  stand 
in  almost  every  direction,  the}' are  round,  wooly  or  hairy, 
and  branched,  rising  from  one  to  two  feet  high.  The 
leaves  are  placed  very  irregular  on  the  stalk,  and-are  cov- 
ered with  a  fine  down  on  the  lower  side>  thick  or  fleshy,  and 
of  an  oblong  shape.  Its  flowers  appear  in  Julv  or  Au- 
gust, they  grow  in  terminal,  corymbose  umbels,'  and  are  of 
a  most  beautiful,  brilliant,  orange  color,  and  is  easily  dis- 
tinguished lrom-ail  the  flowers  that  adorn  the  fields'. 

This  plant  is  often  mistaken  for  the  common  silk  weed. — 
There  is,  however,  this  difference  between  them,  by  wlii&h 
they  maybe  easily  distinguished;  the  flowers  of  the  ^pleu- 
risy root  are  of  beautiful,  bright  orange  color,  while  tho*^ 
of  the  silk  weed  are  of  a  pale  purple  hue. 

Few  articles  in  the  Indian  Materia  Medica  maintain  ;v 
higher  standing 'for  its  medical  virtues  than  pleurisy  roor 
The  powdered  root  acts  as  a  mild  purgative  on  the  bowels 
but  it  is  more  particularly  and  inestimably  valuable  in 
producing  expec.tra'ioiyor  throwing  'off  muctis  from  the 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  203 

throat  and  lungs,  and  in  causing  perspiration  or  sweating, 
when  other  remedies  fail.  This  root  possesses  one  remark- 
able power;  given  in  proper  quantities,  it  affects  the  skin, 
and  produces  perspiration  or  sweating,  without  heating 
the  ,body,  or  increasing  the  circulation.  It  is  a  valuable 
article  in  diseases  of  the  lungs  generally.  It  is  a  powerful 
remedy  in  pleurisy,  as  may  be  seen  under  that  head.  It  is 
a  valuable  article  in  the  treatment  of  bo#eF complaints  a- 
mong  children.  Its  use  in  a  strong  decoction,  tffren  give* 
relief  to  pain  in  the  breast,  stomach  and  intestines,  by  pro- 
moting perspiration,  and  assisting  digestion.  In  feverish 
affections,  proceeding  from  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  in. 
colds  recently  taken,  anti  in  diseases  of  the  chest  generally, 
it  is  an  excellent  remedy.  It  may  be  administered,  either 
in  decoction  or  potvder,'  of  the  pulverized  root  a  tea-spoon- 
ful or  more,  may  be  taken  for  a  dose,  and  repeated  as  of- 
ten as  necessary;  we  generally  combine  it  with  the  silk 
weed  root,  equal  quantities;  and  if  you  wish  to  produce  co- 
pious perspiration,  without  raising  the  internal  heat,  no  ar- 
ticle spoken  of  in  this  work  will  be  better  adapted  to  this 
purpose  than  the  above  compound. 


WHITE  SNAKE  ROOT— POOL  ROOT. 

Pool  root  is  found  in  great  abundance  in  the  western 
states,  principally  confined  to  dry  upland  soils,  and  to 
lands  timbered  with  oak  and  hickory. 

The  root  is  small  and  fibrous,  growing  from  six  to  four 
inches  long,  and  of  a  dirty  white  color.  Its  stem  rises  from 
one  to  three  feet  high,  angular  and  furrowed.  The  leaves 
are  opposite,  alternately  supported  on  long  foot  stalk?, 
broad  at  the  base,  acute  at  the  point  with  edges  obtusely 
tentate  or  toothed.  The  flowers  are  white,  and  grow  out 
in  beautiful  clusters. 

The  root  is  the  part  used  for  medicine,  is  stimulant,  ton- 
ic and  diuretic,  and  has  a  warm,  aromatic  taste.  This 
root  may  be  used  either  in  decoction  or  tincture,  and  is  val- 
uable in  fever  and  ague,  and  will  seldom  fail  in  effecting.!* 
*peedy  cure,  if  the  stomach  and  bowels  have  been  proper- 
ly cleansed,  previous  to  its  use.  It  is  also  given  for  gravel 
wud  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs  generally.  It  may  be 
used  to  advantage  inmost  cases,  w!  ere  a  stimulant  is  re- 
quired. 


lot  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

ALLSPICE  TREE,  PIMENTO  TREE. 

{Myrtus  Pimenta.) 
The  Pimento  Tree  is  the  spontaneous  product  of  Jamai- 
ca, one  of  the  West  India  Islands.  What  we  call  All- 
spice, is  the  fruit  of  the  Pimento  tree,  it  is  plucked  from  the 
tree  before  it  is  ripe  and  dried  in  the  sun.  The  proper 
name  of  this  fruit  is  Pimento  or  Jamaica  pepper;  but  its 
scent  resembling  that  of  a  mixture  of  cinnamon,  nutmeg 
and  cloves,  it  has  received  the  name  of  All- spice.  It  is  a 
warm  aromatic  stimulant,  and  is  useful  where  gentle, 
stimulant  stomachs  are  needed.  It  is  a  valuable  astrin- 
gent, stimulant  for  lying-in-women,  whose  discharges 
(called  by  physicans  Lochia,)  are  profuse,  but  should  not 
be  used  by  those  whose  dischares  are  scant.  It  is  also 
good  for  females  at  their  monthly  periods,  when  their 
discharges  are  profuse  and  weakning,  but  should  not  be  us- 
ed by  such  as  are  laboring  under  suppression  or  obstruc- 
tion of  the  menstrual  discharges. 


CINNAMON  TREE— (Laurus  Cinamomum.) 

This  tree  or  bush  is  a  native  of  the  Isle  of  Ceylon,  in  the 
East  Indies,  but  it  is  now  cultivated  in  many  of  the  West 
Indies.  It  grows  to  the  height  of  ten  or  twelve  feet,  and 
is  very  bushy.  Its  leaves  resemble  those  of  the  laurel, 
and  when  chewed,  have  the  hot  taste  and  aromatic  smell 
of  cloves.  The  article  known  in  this  country  as  Cinnamon 
bark,  is  the  inner  bark  of  this  tree. 

The  bark  is  a  useful  and  pleasant  aromatic — it  has  a 
very  pleasant  taste,  and  strengthening  to  the  stomach. — 
It  is  stimulant,  stomachic,  tonic  and  carminative,  and  is  a 
valuable  article  for  females  in  the  latter  stages  of  preg- 
nancy, it  may  be  used  in  decoction,  powder,  or  combined 
with  spikenard,  digested  in  spirits  and  taken  as  bitters,  its 
constant  use  for  the  last  three  months  hefore  delivery,  will 
greatly  strengthen  both  the  mother  and'her  offspring.  It 
is  also  good  to  stop  Hooding  either  before  or  after  delivery. 


MOTHER- WORT.— {Lconurus  Cardiaca.) 

Mother- Wort  mostly  grows  in  water  places;  it  flowera 
in  July  and  August.  The  flowers  are  white  on  the  out  side, 
and  purplish  within,  growing  in  thorny  whorls.  The  leaves 
are  opposite;  two  to  each  whorl;  and  have  a  strong  dUa- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  205 

greeable  smell,  and  bitter  taste.  An  infusion  of  this  plant 
is  a  stimulant,  reviving,  cordial  bitter.  It  is  valuable  in 
nervous  and  hysterical  affections,  and  when  taken  at  bed 
time,  it  procures  a  quiet,  refreshing  sleep,  even  where  opi- 
um and  laudanum  have  faild.  It  has  also  feeen  used  to 
great  advantage  in  faintings,  and  diseases  of  thestom  'eh. 
The  quantity  taken  must  be  regulated,  according  tojhe 
strength  of  the  patient,  and  the  effect  wished  to  be  pro- 
duced. 


[tse-you-cah-le.] 

WILD  GINGER,  HEART  SNAKE  ROOT, 
(Asarum  Candensis.) 

This  herb  is  found  in  most  states,  but  is  most  abundant 
in  the  South.  It  generally  grows  in  rich,  shady,  moist,- 
wood  lands.  It  has  a  round,  fleshy,  jointedrperennial  root,- 
whieh  runs  horizontally  in  the  ground  having  many  liber?;- 
,  its  colors  is  a  bright  outside.  Its  leaves  are  radical,,  round., 
hazy,  veined;  two  from  each  root;  supported  on  long  foot- 
stalks, so  close  the  ground  as  to  be  scarcely  peJceivable. 

The  root,  of  this  plant  is  a  warm,  powerful  and  diffusi- 
ble stimulant,  and  on  this  account,  it  is  valuable  for  colds, 
coughs  and  female  obstructions.  It  may  be  used  in  de- 
coction, tincture  or  syrup. 

This  root  combined  with  star  roet  and  a  small  quantity 
of  sampscn  snake-soot,  or  a  small  quantity  of  puccoon  dj- 
;  gested  in  common  spirits,  forms  an  excellent  bitter  for  IV- 
;  males,  whose  menstrual  discharges  are  scant,  and  painful. 
|  or  entirely  obstructed.  The  root  is  also  a  valuable  An  the  i- 
,  mintic,  which  means  the  property  of  discharging  or  expel  1- 
j  ing  worms.  When  taken  as  a  medicine,it  should  be  boil- 
I  ed  in  sweet  milk,  and  drank  freely.  It  is  valuable  in  warm 
\  levers,  and  in  most  cases,  where  a  diffusive  st.imulent  is 
needed. 

A  snuff  made  of  the  dried  leaves,  finely  pulverized,  is 
very  good,  when  snuffed  up  the  nose  for  the  head  and  eyes. 


[xoii-tre.] 

PINE.— (JPimis.) 

The  common  pine  of  our  forest,  may  well  be  ranged 
among  the  most  beautiful  and  useful  trees  with  which  our 


203  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO'  HEALTH. 

country  is  blessed.  Beside  the  many  suse§v  made  of  it  by 
mechanics  for  lumber,..&c.,  its  buds,  bark;'  rosin  and  roots,, 
possess  medical  virtues  that  are  almost  innumerable. 

It  is  stimulant  and  acts  gently  on  the  bowels  as  a  laxa- 
tive. The  buds  or  inside  bark  steeped  ii^vater  is  excellent 
for  hjA*d,  dry  coughs,  two  or  three glassfuls  a  day  should  be 
takei,,warm.  A  daily  use  of  the  inside  bark  taken  in  de- 
coction is  valuable  in  old  bowel  complaints.  The  spirits 
or  oil  made  by  distilling  the  turpentine  or  rosin  which  ex- 
udes from  the  tree  where  an  incision  is  made;  when  taken 
internally,  is  one  of  the  most  active  and  diffusible  stimu- 
lants within  the  compass  of  medicine.  In  cases  where  the 
bowels  are  obstinately  constipated  or  bound,  it  is  the  most 
certain  remedy  with  which  I  am  acquainted.  It  is  also 
useful  in  worms,  hysterics,  rheumatism,  cholics,  gout,  weak 
back  or  kidneys,  and  in  the  treatment  of  child-bed  fevers. 

The  rosin  in  its  natural  stateor  as  it  exudes  from  the 
tree,  is  good  in;  spirits  for  old  rheumatism,  and  weak  back 
and  loins,  or  taken  in  pills  it  will  answer  a  similar  purpose. 
It. forms  an  ingredient  in  the  pill  for  dropsey.  Many  other 
uses  are  made  of  the  pine  rosin  in  preparing  salves,  oint- 
ments, &c.  The  rosin  obtained  by  boiling  the  root  forms 
one  of  the  best  strengthening  plasters  in  the  world.  The 
index  will  refer  you  to  the  proper  head  for  ma.king  and  ap- 
plying this  plaster.; 

RQSIN  WEED.  . 

This  singular,  and,  valuable  plant,  is  found  growing 
principally  in  the  north  and  north-west,  in  those  sections 
of  country  that  are  destitute  of  pine,. the  place  of  which 
this  plant  appears  expressly  intended  to  supply*  It  grows 
in  rich  ground,  and  is  a  very  large  rich  looking  plant.— 
The  roots  are  large  and  grow  deep  in  the  ground  the 
slocks  rises  from  three  to  ,six  feet  high,  rough,  about  the 
thickness  .of  a  man's;  thumb  ; and,  crooked  .towards  the 
top,  the  leavejs  are  large,,  partly  radical,  the  remainder 
grow  irregularly  up  the  stalky  and  are  of  a  dirty  or  ash 
colored  green.  Whenever  the. stales  is  broken  or.  the  bark 
taken  off,  a  roisin  exudes  from  it  like  the  opium  does  from 
the  poppy,  and  adheres  to  the  stalk  ]in  dry  brittle  Jumps. — 
So  nearly  does  this  rosin  resemble  the  pine  resin  in  color, 
taste  and  sm«JL  that  a  person,  not,)  intimately  aqquainted 
with  both,,  cannot,  discriminate  between  them. 


INDIAN  ;GUIDE  TOHEALTH.  207 

The  rosin  may  be  used  in  all  cases  in  which  the  pino 
rosin  is  recommended,  for  its  effects  on  the  system  bear  so 
strong  a  similitude  to  tlmse  produced  by  the  pine  rosn  that 
they  appear,  the  same.  The  roots  , digested  in  spirits  is 
good  for  females  troubled  with  the  whites  (flour  albus.)— 
The  pine  rosin  is  also  good  for  weakly  females.  The  pine 
and  rosin  weed  is  never  found  growing  in  the  same  sec- 
tion of  country,  I  believe;  and  th^y  seem  expressly  inten- 
ded to  supply  the  place  of  each  .other,  and  furnish  both  the 
cold  and  the  warm  climates  with 3a  medicine  at  once  sale 
and  valuable  in  the  treatment  of  many  of  the  diseases  to^ 
which  the  inhabitants  of  both  countries  are  subject. 


WILD- WET-FIRE,  BLISTER-ROOT,  CHICKFN 

PEPPER. 

This  plant  ,is  found  growing  on  the  banks  of  creeks,  and 
spring  branches  near  the  edge  of  the,. water.     Its  root  is 
white,  many  fibers  issue  from  the  caudex  or  main  root, 
generally  two  but  sometime^  three  leaves  put  up  from  a 
root,   e,ach  leaf  is  supported  by  a  foot-stalk  from  one  to 
three  inches  iiigh,  the  leaves  and  foot-stalks  are  covered 
with  a.   kind  of  hair  or  furze   of  a   green  color,  havings 
whitish  spots  or  pides,  they  are  indented  around  the  edges| 
and  sometimes  grow  to  the  Size  of  a  silver  dollar,  but  are< 
generally    much    smaller.     The  .  root .  is    the  part  used,, 
bruised  and  applied  to  the  skin  it  will  draw  a  blister  much 
quicker  than  Spanish-flies.     When  ablister  as  large  as  .the 
hand  is  desired,  apply  a  plaster  of  thebruised  root  as  largo 
as  a  dollar;  when  the  blister,  is  drawn,,  annoinithe  edge 
with  oil  or,  lard  to  prevent.it  from  spreading,  and  dress  it 
with  cabbage  leaves,  brier  leaves,  or  plantain  leaves,  pre- 
pared as  is. common  for  a  blister  drawn  with  Spanish-flies. 

WHITE  POPPY.— (Popaver  Alhvm.) 
AND  MODE  OF  PREPARING  OPIUM  FROM  IT. 

The  cultivation  of  the  Poppy,  the  Drug  Opium  and  it* 
medical  properties  were  equally  unknown  tp  the  Abwigi- 
nces  of  our  country  .  previous  to  ,their.  acquaintauce  with 
the  whites.  They. 'frequently  use  Opium  as  a  medicine 
since  it  was  taught  them  by  the, Pale,  Face,  and  many  of 
their  physicians  believe  it  to  be  a  mpst  excellent  remedy 
in  many  cases.     Opium  is  obtained  from  thqWhilje  Poppy, 


208  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

which  is  said  to  be  a  native  of  Asia,  but  is   extensively 
cultivated  in  many  parts  of  Europe,  it  has  been  cultivated 
in  the  United  States  sufficiently  to  prove  that  the  soil  and 
climate  are  as  well  adapted  to  its  culture  as  any  part  of 
the  Globe.     The  leaves,  stalks,  and  capsules  of  the  Poppy 
abound  with  a  milky  substance,  this  substance  or  juice,  is 
obtained  by  making  incisions   or   cuts  lengthwise  on  the 
capsules  or  pods  about  sunset,  during  ihe  night  the  milky 
juice  will  exude  from  the  pods  through  the  cuts,   and  ad- 
here to  the  sides  of  the  incisions;  on  the  following  day  it 
must  be  collected  into  an  earthen   plate.     This  is  best 
done  by  a  thin  iron  scraper  made  for  the  purpose.     When 
thus  collected,  you  are  to  work  it  in  the  sun  with  a  wooden 
paddle  until  the  juice  becomes  sufficiently  thick,  then  make 
it  into  cakes  with  the  hands  and  wrap  it  in  the  leaves  of 
the  Poppy,  and  put  it  into  giass  jars  or  bottles;  if  these  are 
not  at  hand,  wrap  it  in  a  hog's  or  beef's  bladder,  and  it  will 
keep  as  long  as  desired.     The    operation  of  cutting  the 
Poppy  pods  as  before  directed,  may  be  repeated  every  eve- 
ning as  long  as  the  pods  will  furnish  the  milky  juice.     The 
best  time  to  commence  making  the  incisions,  is    when,  the 
pods  are  a  little  more  than  half  ripe,  the  cuts  are   most 
easily  made  with  a  small  knife  having  three  blades,  the 
midle  blade  being  the  shortest.     The  cuts  should  be  shal- 
low, not  extending  quite   through  the  hull.     This  is  the 
whole  process  of  making  Opium.     There  are  two  kinds  of 
Opium.     There  [are    two  kinds  of  Opium  imported  into 
America  for  sale,  distinguished  by  the  name  of  the  Turkish 
and  East  Indian  Opium.     The  Turkish  Opium  is  the  best 
it  is  more  solid  and  compact,  and  when  broken  presents  a 
ernopth  shining  fracture.     When  good  it  is   of  a  reddish 
brown  color.     When  taken  into  the  mouth,  it   produces  a 
nauseous  bitter  taste,  leaving  a  strong  biting  impression 
mt  the  tongue  and  lips.     It  is  very  heavy  and  easy  pulver- 
ized.    It  has  a  strong  narcotic  smell,  and  the  cakes    are 
wrapped  in  poppy  leaves,  frequent! y  having  or.  them  ma- 
say  red-colored  pieces  of  the  capsules  or  hulls,  which  are  in- 
dicative of  its  good  quality.     The   East  Indian    Opium, 
which  is  not  so  good  as  the  Turkish,  has  not  that  peculiar 
narcotic  smeil.     It  is  much  blacker,  more  nauseous  and 
less  bitter.     It  is  not  near  so  hard  but.  more  waxy  and  te- 
nacious, and  when  broken,  has  not  that  uniformity  of  ap- 
pearance which  is  found  in  the  Turkish,  but  frequently 
lias  other  particles  interspersed  through  it.     Laudanum  is 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH,  209 

made  by  dissolving  an  ounce  of  Opium  in  a  pint  of  good 
spirits  ot  any  kind;  it  is  generally  fit  for  use  in  six  or  eight 
days.     Twenty-five  drops  of  laudanum  are  equal  to  one 
grain  of  Opium.     Opium  and  laudanum  given  in  small  do- 
ses act  as  stimulants;  in  larger  doses   they  produce  sleep 
and  relieve  pain;  in  an  over  dose,  when  the  person  is  nor 
in  the  habit  of  using  it,  the  consequence  will  .always  be 
fatal,  in  this  case  it  produces  vertigo,  stupor,  tremors,  con- 
vulsions, insensibility,  succeeded  by  a  total  deprivation  of 
muscular  strength,  when  death  ^usually  closes  the  scene. — 
When  it  is  used  as  a  luxury,  (which  is  the  case  in   China 
and  some  other  parts.)  and  its  use  persisted,  jn,  it  effects 
the  physical  system  in  a  manner  similar  to  the  excessive 
use  of  intoxicating  liquors.     There  is  however  this  differ- 
ence between  the  effects  produced   by  spirituous  liquors, 
and  those  produced  by  Opium.     The  excitement  produced 
by  spirits,  are  more  acute  and  powerful  while  it  lasts,  but 
are  of  shorter  duration  than  the  effects  produced  by  Opium. 
Spirits  disorder  the  mind,  unsettle    and  cloud  the  judge- 
ment and  deprive   us   of  our  intellectual  self-possession: 
while  Opium  on  the  contrary,  soothes  and  tranquil izes  the 
system,  arouses  all  our  dormant  faculties,  and   produces  :■„ 
just  equipois  between  our  intellectual  strength. and  sensi- 
bilities. 

Opium  is  a  most  powerful  anti-spasmodic,  and  may  be 
advantageously  used  to  remove  cramps,  spasms,  &c. — 
When  given  to  children,  (if  given  at  all)  a  halt  drop  or 
laudanum  will  be  sufficient  for  a  child  of  a  few  Weeks 
old.  In  highly  inflammatory  cases,  opium  should  be  sel- 
dom used,  as  it  will  tend  to  aggravate  the  symptoms.  A 
common  dose  of  opium  for  a  grown  person,  is  one  grain, 
but  the  dose  must  be  varied  according  to  the  age  and  con- 
stitution, the  nature  and  stage  of  the  disease,  &c.  In 
spasms  or  cramps,  it  may  be  employed  in  much  larger  por- 
tions with  the  happiest  results. 


LETTUCE. 


The  extract  of  the  common  garden  Lettuce  produ-e* 
nearly  the  same  effects  as  Opium.  It  possesses  the  power 
of  allaying  pain  and  producing  sleep.  As  a  stimulant ;  it 
does  not  act  so  powerful  as  the  opium  produced  from  the 
Poppy,  but.has  a  tendeney  to  repress  the  inordinate  heat  of 


210  INpiAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH, . 

the  system,  and  to  diminish  the  too  frequent  action  of  the 
heart,  without  producing  those  unpleasant  effects  which 
sometimes  follow  the  use  of  Opium,  by  persons  whose 
constitutions  cannot  bear  the  stimulus  produced  by  the  lat- 
ter. The  extract  of  Lettuce  is  obtained  as  follows:  Take 
the  leaves  and  stalks  of  either  kind  of  garden  Lettuce, 
when  the  plants  are  nearly  ready  to  flower,  bruise  them 
well  in  a  mortar  and  put  them  in  a  bag  made  of  flax  or 
hemp,  then  press  them  un'il  they  yield  their  milky  juice — 
this  juice  is  to  be  evaporated  in  flat  vessels  in  the  sun,  or 
by  placing  them  in  boiling  water,  until  reduced  to  the  con- 
sistence of  thick  molasses,  when  it  is  to  be  bottled  for  use. 


BLUE  ROOT. 

This  very  valuable  herb  is  an  evergreen,  and  is  mostly 
found  growing  on  the  banks  of  small  streams.  The  main 
root  is  about  the  thickness  of  a  pipe-stem,  of  a  purple  red 
color  externally,  but  when  broken;  the  inside  has  a  bluish 
cast;  many  small  fibres  issue  from  the  main  root,,  which 
are  white.  The  leaves  are  supported  by  footstalks  from 
two  to  four  inches  long,  which  put  up  from  the  root  simi- 
lar to  the  puccoon  leaves;  the}7  are  round,  saw-edged,  of  a 
dark  green  color,  and  from  three  to  five  in  number;  they 
vary  from  the  size  of  a  dollar  to  twice  that  size.  In  the 
spring  the  flower  stalk  puts  forth  and  grows  ."from  eight  to 
ten  inches  high,  bearing  yellow  flowers,  which  very  much 
resemble  the  bloom  of  the  common  turnip.  The  root  is 
the  part  used  and  is  valuable  in  rheumatism  and  several 
other  diseases  as  is  fully  shown  in  their  different  treat- 
ments. 


&§§  m 


TONICS. 

Tonics  are  a  class  of  medicines  that  increase  the  tone  of 
the  muscular  fibres,  and  thereby  strengthen  the  whole  bo- 
dy. It  has  pleased  the  great  Author  of  our  being  to  fur- 
nish the  vegetable  kingdom  with  a  a  great  many  valuable 
articles  of  this  class.  A  class  of  medicines  designed  to  in- 
crease the  tone  and  strength  of  the  organic  system,  and  in- 
vigorate the  living  power  by  improving  the  appetite,.,  giv- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  211 

ing  vigor  to  the  muscles  and  to  the  digestive  powers,  must 
be  of  extensive  utility. 

Tonics  may  be  distinguished  into  two  kinds,  viz:  Bit- 
ter Tonics  and  Astringent  Tonics.  The  former  are  used 
to  increase  the  tone  and  strength  of  the  system  generally, 
while  the  latter  are  peculiarly  appropriate  in  the  treat- 
ment of  dysentery,  diarrhoea;  &c. 

[tsa-taii-nah.] 

TAG  ALDER.— {Alnus  Serrulata.) 

Tag  Alder  is  a  perennial  shrub,  found  mostly  in  low  wet 
soils  and  along  streams.  It  grows  from  eight  to  twelve 
and  sometimes-  fifteen  feet  high,  several  in  a  cluster,  the 
leaves  are  large,  rather  obtuse,  of  a  dark  green  color. — 
This  bush  or  shrub  bears  tags  a  little  similar  to  those  of 
witch  hazle,  from  which  it  derives  the  name  of  Tag  Alder. 

It  is  an  excellent  tonic,  and  is  a  safe,  valuable  and  cheap 
article  of  family  medicine.  The  bark,  leaves,  or  tags  may 
be  used  either  in  a  decoction  or  digested  in  common  spi- 
rits. It  is  excellent  for  women  troubled  with  bearing 
down  pains,  either  before  or  after  child-birth. 

Cloths  kept  wet  with  the  decoction,  arid  applied  warm 
to  painful  swellings,  afford  much  relief  and  generally  scat- 
ters them.  A  poultice  made  of  the  inside,  bark,  leaves  or 
tags,  is  an  excellent  remedy  for  strains  and  swellings,  ap- 
plied to  swelled  and  pained  testacies,  whether  produced  by 
mumps  or  olher  diseases,  it  seldom  fails  to  reduce  the  swel- 
ling and  relieve  the  pain.  The  decoction  drank  freely  is 
valuable  in  promoting  the  discharge  of  urine.  The  decoc- 
tion or  tincture  is  good  for  eruptions  or  diseases  of  the  skin 
and  particularly  biles. 

DOG-FENNEL,  MAY  WEED— WILD  CAMOMILE. 

(Anthemis  Cotula.)  , 

Dog-Fennr]  is  a  well  known  plant,  abounding  in  every 
part  of  the  United  States  with  which  I  am  acquainted,  and 
is  .said  to  be  a  species  of  Camomile.  It  has  a  very  offen- 
sive smell  and  a  bitter  taste. 

This  plant,  although  generally  looked  .upon  as  one  of 
the  most  offensive  and  useless  weeds  with  which  our 
farms  are  boszt,  is  nevertheless  a  valuable^mWi'ci'ne. .- .  If  i* 


212  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

an  emetic,  tonie,  sudorific  and  anodyne,  and  may  be  ad- 
vantageously used  in  colds,  hysterics,  epilepsy,  dropsy,  asth* 
ma,  rheumatism  and  intermittent  fevers,  or  fever  and  ague. 
A  tea  of  this  plant  takenin  small  doses,  as  warm  as  it  can 
be  drank,  promotes  copious  perspiraiton  or  sweating,  and 
has  often  of  itself,  relieved  persons  afflicted  with  chills 
and  fevers  when  other  remedies  had  failed — and  when 
properly  taken  and  the  bowels  kept  open  by  suitable  medi- 
cines, it  seldom,  if  ever,  fails  to  effect  a  cure,  in  this  di- 
sease. A  poultice  made  by  thickening  wheat  bran  in  a 
decoction  of  dog-fennel,  is  a  valuable  application  in  the 
treatment  of  inflammatory  rheumatism.  The  bruized 
herb  applied  externally  will  draw  a  blister  in  a  short 
time,  equal  in  every  respect  to  those  drawn  by  Spanish 
flies. 


[te-sco-you-te-ner-wo.] 

BONESET,    CROSS-WORT,    INDIAN-SAGE,  THOR- 
OUGH-WORT, THOROUGH-STEM. 

(Evpatoriiwi  Perfolialum..) 

This  herb  is  found  growing  in  marshes,  swamps  and 
wet  meadow  lands,  throughout  the  United  States.  It  has 
a  crooked,  fibrous,  perennial  root,  running  horizontal  in 
the  ground— several  stems  usually  rise  from  the  same  root 
from  two  to  four  feet  high,  hairy,  of  a  pale  or  grayish 
green  color,  branched  towards  the  top.  The  leaves  grow 
opposite  and  are  so  formed  as  to  Ifkve  the  appearance  of 
being  penetrated  by  the  stern  through  the  centre  where 
they  are  broadest,  and  gradually  tapering  to  a  point. — ■ 
The  whole  herb  has  a  rough,  wooly  or  hairy  appearance. 
The  flowers  grow  in  dense  corymbs  or  clusters  on  the  top 
of  the  stems,  and  are  of  a  dirty  white  color,  and  appear  in 
the  month  of  July. 

This  plant  is  possessed  of  powerful  medical  virtues.  It 
is  tonic,  sudorific,  stimulant,  emetic,  cathartic;  antiseptic 
and  diuretic.  The  warm  infusion,  given  in  doses  sufficient- 
ly large  to  create  nausea,  produces  the  most  copious  and 
pleasant  sweats,  without  increasing  the  fever  in  the  least. 
The  common  mode  of  using  the  article  is  about  a  handful 
of  the  leaves  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  when  the  strength 
is  extracted,  take  about  a  half  gill  or  wine  glass  full  every 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TChHEALTH.  213 

iiour  or  two.  If  the  above  dose  be  increased  to4wice  or 
three  times  the  quantity,  and  taken  a  little  above  blood 
heat,  it  will  act  as  an  emetic,  emptying  the  stomach  not 
only  of  its  ordinary  contents,  but  of  the  bile  also.  In  inter- 
mittent and  remittent  fevers,  it  is  far  more  beneficial  and 
safe  than  the  peruvian  bark,  for  if  the  peruvian  bark  be  ad- 
ministered when  there  is  fever,  its  effects  ar& dangerous, 
but  the  boneset  may  be  given  when  there:  is  considerable 
fever,  with  the  most  salutary  effect,  as  its  active  sweating 
powers  always  tend;  to-jdiminish the  fever.  The  infusion 
given  cold,  a  half  gill  taken  every  half  hour,  will  produce 
purging  and  is  an  excellent  article  in  obstinate  constipation 
of  the  bowels.  The  warm  tea  is  good  in  coughs,  asthma 
and  hysterical  complaints.  It  is  a  valuable  medicine  in 
yellow  fever. 

This  medicine  acts  well  on  the  biliary  or  bile  system, 
and  g.lso  on  the  liver,  giving  them  a  healthy  action,  by 
which  they  are  enabled  to  throw  off  all  superfluous  matter. 
It  is  the  extract  of  this  herb  thai  constitutes  Dr.  Foreman's 
antiseptic  pill,  which  operates  so  powerfully, in  assisting 
digestion.  The  leaves  or  flowers  in  powders,  in  doses  of 
ten,  fifteen  or  even  twenty  grains  acts  well  as  a  purge. — 
This  herb  is  also  a  valuable  medicine  in  diseases  of  the 
skin.  When  boneset  is  taken  as  a  sweat  in  cases  of  fever 
the  stomach  and  bowels  should  be  previously  evacuated. — 
It  sometimes  increases  the  urine  greatly,  and  has  been  us- 
ed to  advantage  in  cases  of  dropsy.  In  fever  and  ague  it 
is  an  almost  infallible  remedy  when  the  stomach  and  bovv- 
<els  are  properly  cleansed  'previous  to  its  use. 


[yoh-nah-tsu-ne-yah-stee.] 

SPIKENARD. — (Aralia  Racemosa — Nardus  Indica.) 

Spikenard,  usually  called  spignard,  generally  grows  in 
rich,  rocky  grounds,  both  on  mountains,  in  hollows,  and  in 
bottoms — it  has  a  perennial  root  of  a  brownish  yellow  col- 
or, which  divides  from  one  caudex  or  head  into  several 
branches  or  distinct  roots  which  are  generally  very  long, 
and  not  quite, so  thick  as  a  common  finger — they  are  very 
tough,  and  when  cut,  broken,  or  boiled  they  yield  a  gummy 
substance  of  an  aromatic  smell  and  taste.  This  is  the 
best  part  of  the  plant  for  medical  purposes.  Sometimes 
but  one  stem,  and  sometimes  more  rises  from  the  same  root 


214  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.       , 

from  two  to  three  feet  high;  they  are  generally' thick  and 
of  a  purplish  color,  branched  towards  the  fop—leaves  are 
biternate,  (which  means  having  three,)  consisting  of  nine 
foliobs  or  small  leaves.  The  flowers  are  of  a  yellowish 
white,  growing  in  umbels,  and  produce  small  berries 
which  bear  some  resemblance  to  the  elder-berry.  Both 
roots  and  berries  may  be  used  for  medicine,  and  may  be 
employed  either  in  tea,  syrup  or  tincture. 

To  do  justice  to  this  root,  Would  occupy  more  space  than 
the  size  of  this  book  will  allow  for  one  root.  It  is  tonic, 
diaphoretic,  antiseptic,  astringent  and  expectorant.  This 
article  is  useful  in  coughs,  asthma,  and  diseases  of  the 
lungs  generally.''  By  many  physicians  of  high  standing  it 
is  ranked  amongst  the  master  remedies  for  consumption. 
The  manner  of  using  it  in  this' disease  is  as  follows:  Boil 
tins  roofs  until  the  strength  is  extracted,  then  take  them 
out  and  strain  the  decoction,  put  it  on  a  slow  fire,  and  re- 
duce it  almost  to  thiri  syrup,  sweeten  it  with  honey  an  let 
it  stand  until  it  ferments;  of  this  beer  fake  a  tea-cupful 
morning,  noon  and  night.  It  is  one  of  the  best  articles  in 
the  Indian  Materia  Medica  for  female  weakness.  For 
weakly  females  that  are  liable  to  fioodings  or  slight  men- 
strual discharges  during  pregnency,  it  is  the  best  article 
with  which  I  am  acquainted;  for  this  purpose  it  may  beta- 
ken in  tea  or  bitters  as  the  patient  may  prefer.  For  fe- 
males afflicted  with  a  weak  back  it  is  also  good;  for  pro- 
fuse menstruation,  caused  by  a  relaxed  state  of  the  system 
it  is  an  excellent  article.  For  females  whose  menstrual 
discharges  are  scant  or  irregular  it  is  useful  combined  with 
rattle-root  or  wild-ginger.  It  is  one  of  the  most  powerful 
strengthened  of  the  womb  with  which  I  am  acquainted.; — 
It  is  a  fine  application  in  fresh  wounds,  cuts,  &c.  The 
syrup  in  such  cases  should  be  made  as  thick  as  honey,  and 
applied  to  the  wound  by  means  of  dipping  lint  into  the 
syrup  and  applying  it  to  the ! wound.  When  prepared  in 
this  way  it  may  be  kept  ready  for  use  a  great  while,  by 
adding  rum  or  other  good  spirits,  and  is  equal  to  the  syrup 
made  of  white  hickory-bark. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  215 

[OO-NAH-STA-BES-TEE.] 

BLACK   SNAKE-ROOT,  VIRGINIA  SNAKE-ROOT. 
(Aritolochia  Serpertaria.) 

The  black  or  Virginia  snakes-root  grows  in  great  abun- 
dance in  the  different  mountains! in  the  United  States,  it  is 
also  found  growing  in  rich  river  bottoms  and  on  rich  hill 
sides,  generally  in  shady - places.,      , 

This  root  has  a  small,  bushy  root,  consisting  of  a  num- 
ber of  small  fibers  matted  together,  issuing  from  One  com- 
mon head;  it  is  of  a  brown  color  on  the  outside,  -and  yel- 
lowish wilhin,  turning  darker  on  drying.  It  has  a  slender, 
crooked  stem,  growing  from  six  to  ten  inches  high,  bear- 
ing from  three  to  seven  leaves,  which  are  long  and  hearts 
shaped  at  the  base. 

The  root  has  a  strong  disagreeable  smell,  somewhat  ar- 
omatic, and  a  very  pungent  and  lasting  bitter  taste.  Ta- 
ken in  strong.decoctjon,is.an  excellent  stimulus  or  tonic, 
and  is  beneficial  in  typhus  fevers,  ague  and  fever,  &c,  after 
preparing  the  stomach  for  it.  In  decoction,  it  is  best;  a 
handful  of  the  roots  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  taken  in 
half  gill  doses,  every  half  hour,  until  sweating  is  produced. 
It  is  also  diuretic,  and  antiseptic,  and  has  been  used  with 
advantage  as  a  gargle  in  putrid  sorethroat.  Taken  inter- 
nally, will  stop  morti I  cation,  and  prevent  putrefaction  in 
the  bowels.  It  may  be  used  alone  in  tincture  or  com- 
pounded with  other  articles  for  bitters,  and  is  valuable  for 
persons  of  weak  phlegmatic  habits.. 


[OO-HAR-STEE.] 

SAMPSON  SNAKE-ROOT. 

This  plant  grows  mostly  on  dry  poor  grounds,  in  the 
woods.  It  has  a  perennial  root;  several  roots  issue  from 
the  main  head  about  the  size  of  goose  quills,  or  hardly  so 
large;  and  are  supposed  to  bear  some  resemblance  to 
worms.  Its  stems  rise  from  eight  to  ten  inches  high,  round, 
jointed;  its  leaves  are  opposite,  smooth,  oblong,  lew  and  ot 
a  beautiful,  dark,  green  color.  The  flowers  grow  on  the 
top  of  the  stem  or  branches,  are  tatular,  or  cylindrical,  of 
a  dirty  white,  reddish,  brown,  or  pale  blue  color,  and  never 
appear  to  be  fully  opened  or  expanded. 


216  INDIAN  q*JIDE  TO  HEALTH, 

The  root  is  the  part  used  for  medical  purposes,  and  has 
a  very  pleasant  taste.  It  is  a  very  powerful  and  valuable 
bifter  tonic,  whether  used  alone,  or  combined  with  other 
tonic  articles.  It  is  an  important  article-in  the  Indian 
practice,  in  all  preparations  tor  obstructed  menstruation; 
it  is  an  excellent  artidle,  in  cases  of  cholic,  indigestion,  &c. 
ft  is  diaphoretic,  or  sweating,  and  may  be  advantageously 
combined  with  other  articles  for  this  purpose,  but  it  should 
not  be  used  by  females,  in  a  state  of  pregnancy,  or  such  as 
are  troubled  with  profuse  menstruation,  as  it  will  have  a 
tendency  to  produce  unfavorable  symptoms.  It  maybe 
used  in  decoction  or  bitters. 


WILD  CUCUMBER.— (Cicumis  Agrotis.) 

This  tree  is  a  native  of  the  American  forest,  and  is.  fre- 
quently known  by  the  name  of  magnolia.  In  fertile  soils, 
it  sometimes  attains  the  height  of  eighty  or  ninety  feet. — 
It  leaves  are  very  large  and  beautiful,  oval  or  tongue  sha- 
ped; it  produces  a  large  fruit  which  bears  some  resem- 
blance to  the  cucumber;  it  is  from  three  to  six  inches  long, 
about  an  inch  or  an  inch  and  a  quarter  in  diameter,  and 
nearly  all  the  way  of  a  size.  The  fruit  contains  large 
.seeds.  About  the  end  of  the  summer  or  beginning  of  au- 
tumn, it  ripens  or  bursts  open,  and  the  seeds  appear,  being 
when  ripe,  of  a  beautiful  red  color. 

The  fruit,  inside  bark,  and  bark  of  the  root  all  possess 
similar  medical  properties.  It  has  a  bitter  aromatic  taste, 
jind  when  tinctured  in  spirits,  makes  a  valuable  bitter  to 
increase  the  tone  of  the  stomach.  A  free  use  of  the  tinc- 
ture made  pretty  strong,  is  a  good  article  for  chronic  rheu- 
matism, particularly  for  persons  of  phlegmatic  or  weakly 
habits.  Combined  with  dog-wood  bark,  it  forms  an  excel- 
lent tonic  for  chills  and  fevers,  or  ague  and  fever.  The 
tincture  or  decoction  is  an  excellent  remedy  for  obstructed 
menses,  particularly  where  the  general  health  is  impaired  , 
by  the  obstruction;  in  this  case  it  should  be  regularly  taken", 
two  or  three  times  a  day,  until  relief  is  obtained.  In  addi- 
tion to  its  tonic  properties,  it  acts  gently  on  the  bowels, 
when  taken  in  sufficient  quantities.  The  bark  or  fruit  may 
be  used  fresh,  or  when  first  taken  from  the  tree,  but  when 
properly  dried,  it  is  equally  good.  The  inside  bark  or  bark 
of  the  root  and  fruit,  if  dried,  should  be  dried  in  the  shade, 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  217 

allowing  them  fresh  air,  but  excluding  all  dampness,  such 
as  rain,  dew,  night  air,  &c. 


TANSY.— (Tanaceum  Valgare.) 

Common  tansy  is  a  perennial  plant,  which  is  cultivated 
in  most  gardens  in  this  country  for  medical  purposes.  It 
flowers  in  June  and  July. 

Tansy  is  a  warm  bitter  accompanied  with  a  strong  fla- 
vor, which  is  not  very  disagreeable.  It  is  a  valuable  ton- 
ic, increasing  the  general  strength  of  the  organic  system. — 
It  is  valuable  in  preventing  abortions  and  miscarriages  in 
pregnent  women,  either  taken  in  spirits,  decoction  or  infu- 
sion. It  should  be  bruised  and  worn  around  the  waist,  and 
in  the  shoes  next  the  soles  of  the  feet  in  females  who  are 
predisposed  to  miscarriages,  particularly  about  the  time  t 
miscarriage  generally  takes  place,  or  when  symptoms  of 
misfortune  approach.  The  expressed  juice  alone  or  com- 
bined with  rue,  worm- wood,  or  either  and  sweetened  with 
honey  or  sugar,  and  given  to  children  of  a  morning  is  an 
excellent,  worm  medicine.  If  is  a  good  article  in  all  cases 
in  which  a  poultice  of  bitter  herb  is  recommended  in  this 
book. 


PRICKLY  ASH,  PRICKLY  ELDER.— (Aralia  Spinoza.) 

Prickly  ash  is  a  perennial  shrub  or  bush,  growing  most- 
ly in  rich  bottom  lands,  to  the  height  often  or  fifteen  feet. 
The  stem  and  branches  are  defended  by  sharp  prickly 
spines.  The  bark  is  of  an  ash  color,,  generally  spotted  or 
pided. 

.  The  bark  and  berries  have  a  warm,  pungent  taste.  It 
is  tonic,  diaphoretic  and  carminative.  The  bark  of  the 
root  is  the  most  active  part  of  the  shrub  for  medical  pur- 
poses, digested  in  spirits  it  forms  one  of  the  best  bitters  tor- 
chronic  rheumatism,  and  old  venerial  diseases  now  known, 
it  also  good  for  .flatulent  cholic.  When  given  in  inflama- 
tory  rheumatism,  it  should  be  given  in  decoction,  instead 
of  tincture  or  bitters;  boij,  say  an  ounce  of  the  bark  in  a 
quart  of  water,  of  this  dirink  a  pint  a  day,  divided  into 
three  equal  portions,  taken  morning,  noon,  and  night,  it 
maybe  djluted  or  weakened  with  water  tq render  it  less 
pungent  and  more  palatable. 


218  INDIAN  GU^DE  TO  HEALTH. 

A  tincture  of  the  berries,  or  bark  is  good  to  prevent  thfe 
aching  of  decayed  teeth,  and  for  persons  of  weakly  phleg- 
matic or  inacti  ve  habits  it  is  much  better  than  the  decoc- 
tion. 


SOURWOOD. 

Sourwocd  is  a  native  of  the  United  States  and  is  too 
well  known  to  require  a  description. 

It  is  a  valuable  tonic  in'dyspepsy  or  indigestion.  The 
bark  or  leaves  should  be  extracted,  then  strain  the  decoc- 
tion and  boil  it  to  the  consistency  of  molasses,  and  swee- 
ten it  with  sugar  or  honey,  the  addition  of  a  small  quantity 
of  soot  will  aid  it  in  tranquilizing  the  stomach — it  should 
be  taken  in  teaspoon  ful  doses,  morning  and  evening.  The 
sourwood  moiasses  combined  with,  sugar  and  British  or 
sweet  oil,  ;s  also  a  valuable  remedy  for  phthisic  or  asthma, 
and  for  diseases  of  the  lungs  generally. 


[tsu-coh-no-huh.] 

BLACK   ASH-TREE. 

This  tree  is  a  native  of  the  United  States,  and  is  to  be 
found  in  great  abundanee  in  almost  every  part,  with  which 
I  am  acquainted.  The  inner  bark  is  a  valuable  tonic,  par- 
ticularly in  chronic  complaints  of  the  liver.  It  acts  as  a 
valuable  tonic  on  the  stomach,  and  also  on  the  biliary  sys- 
tem in  general.  A  ley  made  of  the  ashes  of  the  bark  of 
this  tree  is  a  good  remedy  for  influenza.  The  bark  of  this 
tree  forms  an  ingredient  in  Foreman's  anti-bi'ious  pills. 


[cAH-HUH-SKEE.] 

COLUMBO  ROOT.— (Frasera  Verticillala.) 

The  American  Columbo  is  a  native  of  the  United  States 
and  grows  in  great  abundance  in  many  parts  of  the  South- 
ern and  Western  States.  It  is  a  stately  elegant  plant,  and 
has  various  names,  such  as  Columbia,  Indian  Lettuce, 
Meadow-pride,  Marietta  Columbo,  and  wild  Columbo.  Its 
root  is  triennial,  which  means  lasting  three  years;  it  is 
rough,  spindle  shaped,  yellow,  running  horizontal  in  the 
ground,  sometimes  to  the  length  of  two  feet.  It  is  one  of 
the  most  grand  and  stately  looking  plants  in  the  American 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  &W 

forest — its  stem  is  large  and  rises  from  five  to  ten  feet  high 
it  is  nearly  square  and  furrowed  at  the  sides,  it  sends  off  its 
leaves,  which  are  of  a  deep  green  color,  at  in-ervalsof 
eight  Or  ten  inches.  Some  of  the  leaves  are  radical,  for- 
ming a  star;  spreading  out  on  the  ground,  the  remainder  of 
.  them  grow  in  whorls  around  the  stem  from  four  to  eight  to 
a  whorl,  each  whorl  as  it  is  nigher  the  top,  contains  small- 
er leaves,  its  branches  are  few,  except  near  the  top,  where 
they  form  a  handsome  pyramid,  crowned  with  numerous 
flowers  of  a  yellowish,  white  or  cream  color. 

The  root  is  the  part  used,  and  in  its  fresh  state  or  when 
I  it  is  first  dug,  is  both  cathartic  and  emetic,  but  when  dry  it 
■  is  an  excellent  bitter  tonic,  acting  as  a  powerful  strengthen- 
[  er  to  the  stomach  in  dyspepsy  or  indigestion,  and  in  dysen- 
tery or  looseness  of  the  bowels,  arrising  from  a  superabun- 
dance of  bile;  the  proper  mode  of  usimrit  is   in  powders. 
The  powders  taken  in  cold  water,    will  generally  check 
vomiting  or  puking,  and  always  will  be  found   beneficial 
incholics  or  cramps  of  the  stomach,  want  of  appetite,  &c. 
The  pulverized  root  steeped' in  good  whiskey,  with  the  ad- 
dition of  a  little  peppermint  taken  three  or  four  times  a 
day  in  table-spoonful  doses,  will,  in  most  instances,  mode- 
rate the  puking  which  so  often  occurs  with  pregnant  wo- 
men.    It.  is  a  valuable  medicine  in  fevers  and  bilious  chcl- 
,  ics  in  the  last  stages.     It  is  antiseptic,  that  is,  it   prevents 
and  removes  putrifaction;  for  this  purpose,  it'should  be  ta- 
P  ken  in    a   decoction  internally  and  applied  externally  in 
I  poultice.     The  tincture  is  a  valuable  and  safe  family  med- 
[  icine,  useful fo  strengthen  the  digestive  organs  and  increase 
*  the  appeti:e. 


DOG- WOOD.— ( Cornus  Florida.) 

■  Dog- Wood  is  found  in  almost  every  part  of  the  United 

•  States,  and    is  so  well  known  as  to  render  a  description 

;  unnecessary.     Dog-wood  is  a  tonic,  stimulant,  antiseptic 

I  and  astringent.     It  is  valuable  in  all  cases  of  intermittent 

i-  fevers,  by  which  is  meant  all  fevers  that  go  off  and  return  a- 

I  gain;  and  the  only  reason  why  it  cannot  be  given  in  other 

fevers,  is,  that  when  given  in  actual  fever,  it  increases  (.he 

-pulse;  hence  you  will  see  the  necessity  of  never  giving  it 

^  except  when  the  fever  is  entirely  off.     It  is  greatly  superi- 

|;  or  to  the  peruvian  bark  obtained  in  the  shops,  in  all  cases 

1  where  the  peruvian  bark  would  be  applicable.     When  it 


220  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

pain  or  griping  of  the  bowels,  a  few  drops  of  laudanum  gi- 
ven in  the  bark  will  obviate  the  difficulty.  The  bark  of 
the  root  is  the  strongest,  and  the  next  in  strength  is  the 
bark  of  the  body  and  smaller  branches.  The  bark  should 
be  taken  from  the  root  or  tree  and  cleansed  of  all  dirt  and 
well  dried  before  it  is  used,  as  it  is  less  apt  to  affect  the  bow- 
els than  when  taken  in  a  fresh  state*  The  best  mode  of 
administering  it  is  in  powders,  dose  is  from  twenty-five  to 
thirty-five  grains.  The  flowers  in  tea  or  decoction,  or  in 
spirits  is  good  for  cholic.  The  ripe  berries  of  the  dog 
wood,  digested  in  gpod  spirits  of  any  kind,  make  an  excel- 
lent bitter  for  common  purposes  and  are  well  adapted  to 
persons  of  weak  stomachs.  An  excellent  family  bitter 
may  be  made  as  follows:  take  equal  quantities  of  dog- 
wood bark,  yellow  bark  and  sarsaparilla  root,  digest  them 
in  common  spirits  until  the  strength  is  extracted;  this  con- 
stitutes an  excellent  morning  bitter  for  family  use.  The 
dog- Wood  bark  boiled  to  a  strong  decoction,  forms  an  ex- 
cellent tonic  both  for  persons  of  weakly  habit,  particular- 
ly infants,  that  have  had  their  health  impaired  by  long  con- 
tinued bowel  complaints. or  chills  and  fevers,  &c.  The 
bark  boiled  to  a  strong  decoction  and  thickened  with  wheat 
bran,  rye  or  corn  meal,  forms. a  valuable  poultice  to  reduce 
swellings,  allay  inflammations,  &c.  The  internal  use  of 
the  dog-wood,  always  renders  the  pulse  quicker,  and  in 
some  instances  fuller  than  it  naturally  is. 


[Oo-WA-SCO-YOU-HU.J 

STAR-ROOT.— (Aletrisjipba*) 

Star-Root,  sometimes  called  Unicorn,  or  Blazing-Star,, 
grows  in  low  lands  or  hill  sides,  and  often  on  very  poor 
land.     It  has  a  rough,  wrinkled,  perennial  root;  the   cau- 
dex  or.  main  root  is  about  the  thickness  of  the  little  finger, 
and  the  lower  end  often  dead  oe  rotten,  from  the  main  root 
issues  many  small   blackish  fibres,  the  whole  root  is  of  a 
dirty  dark  color  and  full  of,  little  holes.     The  leaves  are 
radical,  which  means  implanted  in  the  ground  or  putting 
out   from   the  root  without  any  stem  or  stalk  they  are  a 
pale  evergreen,  and  in  the  winter  lie  flat  on  the  ground,, 
they  arc  smooth  and'  spear-shaped.     The  scapa  or  flower 
sta!k  rises  from  eight,  to  eighteen  inches  high,  upright,,  na- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TOHEALTIL  221 

ked  and  terminates  in  a  most  beautiful  spike  or  tassel  of 
small  white  flowers. 

Star-Root  is  a  valuable  tonic  and  general  strengthener 
of  the  system,  it  is  very  bitter,  though  not  unpleasant.  It 
is  excellent  for  woman  in  child-bed  (puerperal)  fever,  af- 
ter the  tsomach  and  bowels  have  been  emptied  with  the 
proper  medicines  in  this  disease,  it  should  be  given  in  a  de- 
coction lukewarm,  two  or  three  tea-cupsful  a  day.  It  is  a 
great  strengthener  of  the  stomach  and  wouib,  and  assists 
in  casting  off  the  morbid  matter  from  the  wcmb.  This 
root  is  one  of  (he  best  articles  in  ihe  Indian  Materia  Medi- 
ca,  to  prevent  abortion,  and  is  earnestlv  recommended  ior 
the  constant  use  of  pregnant  women  that  are  subject  to 
miscarry:  the  best  mode  of  taking  it  in  this  case,  is  in  spi- 
rits. It  is  a  very  useful  commonplace  bitter;  it  is  an  ex- 
cellent medicine  when  combined  with  other  articles  for 
suppressed  menstruation,  especially  where  the  general 
health  is  impaired  and  a  tonic  or  strengthener  needed. 

Star- Root  is  good  for  coughs,  consumptions  and  diseas- 
es of  the  lungs,  as  it  not  only  strengthens  the  general  sys- 
tem but  also  promotes  expectoration  and  perspiration.— 
Dose,  half  a  teaspoonful  of  the  powdered  root  morning  and 
night.     It  sometimes,  and  not  unfrequently,  produces  sore- 
ness of  the  mouth;  on  the  first  appearance  of  this,  its  use 
should  be  discontinued  for  a  time,  and  some  other   expec- 
;.  torant  employed  in  its  stead;  on  thedisapprarance  ofthose 
I  symptoms,  its  use  may  be  resumed.     It  is  said  by  some  to 
I  be  good  in  the  treatment  of  rheumatism,  stranguarv    jaun- 
dice and  flatulent  cholic. 


MUSTARD— WHITE  AND  BLACK. 
(Sinapis  Nigra  ct  Alba.) 

Those  plants  need  no  description,  being  cultivated  in  al- 
most every  garden  in  the  Union  for  culinary  purposes.— 
The  black  Mustard  is  stronger  than  the  white.  The  ground 
seeds  are  much  used  at  table  to  increase  the  appetite;  for 
this  purpose  it  answers  admirably  in  phlpgmatic  or  inact- 
ive stomachs.  A  .table-spoonful  of  the  ground  reeds  taken 
on  an  empty  stomach,  will  sometimes  operate  as  an  emet- 
ic, repeated  doses  of  the  unbruizecl  se.eds,  will  operate  as  «, 
mild  laxative,  but  its  principal  virtues  reside  in  its  "tonic 
and  stimulating  properties.    Digest  the  bruised  seeds  i$ 


222  INDIAN  GUIDE.  TO  HEALTH. 

wine,  and  they  constitute  an  excellent  tonic  in  fever  and 
ague,  nervous  fever,  dropsy,  palsy,  &c. 

"They  also  form  a  principal  ingredient  in  the  beer  for  pal- 
sy. The  bruised  seeds  taken  every  morning,  has  of  itself 
cured  phthisic  or  asthma.  In  sinopismsit  is  good  applied 
to  the  soles  of  the  feet,  to  raise  the  pulse,  and  produce  a  re- 
vulsion from  the  head.  To  prepare  this  sinopism,  or  plas- 
ter, take  the  ground  or  bruised  seeds,  wet  them  with  vine- 
egar  and  spread  them  on  cloths,  moisten  the  skin  also  with 
vinegar  and  confine  the  plaster  on  the  part:  it  may  be  ap- 
plied by  making  paste  and  spreading  it  on  cloths,  and 
sprinkling  the  ground  mustard-seeds  over  the  paste,  and  ap- 
ply it  as  above  directed,  after  the  skin  has  been  moistened 
with  vinegar  or  spirits,  These  plasters  are  excellent  in 
all  lecute  diseases,  where  the  circulation  is  languid,  and 
the  extremities  become  cold.  • 

HORSE  RADISH—  (CockleariArmoracea.) 

Horse  radish  is  a  garden  herb,  and  is  common  in  every 
part  of  the  country.     It  is  a  stimulant  tonic,  and  diurretic. 
As  a  diurretic,  it.  is  useful  in  gravel,  and  may  be  taken  iu 
decoction  or  digested  in  spirits;  the  root  sliced  and  steeped 
in  vinegar,  and  used  as  a  condiment  with  meat,  is  good  to 
provoke  the  appetite,  and  is  good  to  persons  of  sedentary 
habits,  and  weak  digestive  powers.     The  root  steeped  and 
applied  externally,  acts   powerfully  as  a  local   stimulant,.! 
and  is  good  applied  to  joints  affected  with  rheumatisms.--" 
Applied  to  the  bowels  and  feet  in  typhus  fevers,  and  accute 
diseases,  it   is  equal  to  the  mustard  seed.     A  syrup  made 
of  the  root  is  useful  in  phthisic,  (asthma.)   and  bad    colds, 
gttter  the  inflammatory  stage  ceases.     Taken  in   decoction 
or  in  spirits,  it  is  good  "for  obstructed  menses.     It  is  a  valu 
able  article  in  palsy,  particularly  where  the  dsease  is  m 
the  tongue  aud  mouth;  fortius  purpose,  chew  the  roots. — 
{  should  have  said  that  the  root  is  the  only  part  used  as 


medicine. 


; 


BALM— (Melessa  OfficialaUs.) 

This  herb  is  too  well  known  to  require  a  description. — 
It  is  gently  stimulant  and  tonic.  It  is  excellent  in  old  colds, 
taken  night  ard  morning,  sweetened  with  honey;  the  ad- 
dition of  a  little  vinegar  will  render  it   much  better,    and 


lixijiAi*  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  223 

somewhat  more  palatable.  It  is  valuable,  in  typhus  or 
nervous  fevers;  after  the  stomach  and  bowels  are  prepared 
for  its  use.  It  is  also  valuable  in  chills  and  fevers;  for  this 
purpose  drink  a  large  quantity  of  the  tea  as  warm  as  it  can 
be  taken,  on  the  approach  of  the  chill.  Balm  is  a  very 
good  family  medicine,  and  is  quite  "harmless  in  its  effects. 

YELLOW  POPLAR—  {Lirioderadran  Tulipifera.) 

This  noble  and  beautiful  tree  is  a  native  of  the  Ameri- 
can forest,  and  is  so  generally  found  in  all  parts  of  the 
country,,  as  to  render  a  description  entirely  unnecessary. — 
It  is  sometimes  called  white  root,  American  Poplar,  tulip 
tree;  this  last  name  was  given  it  from  a  fancied  resem- 
blance between  its  blossoms  and  those  of  the  tulip.  The 
bark  of  the  root,  trunk  and  branches  of  this  tree  has  been 
esteemed  by  the  Indians  as  a  most  valuable  medicine;  this 
opinion  is  now  sustained  by  many  of  the  most  distinguished 
physicians  among  the  whites,  both  in  the  United  States, 
and  in  Europe; 

The  bark  of  the  root  is  the  most  active,  and  is  conse- 
quently preferred  to  that  of  the  '  trunk  or  branches.  It  is  a 
valuable  bitter  tonic,  gently  laxative,  combined  with  the 
dog  wood  bark,  it  is  equal,  if  not  superior  to  the  American, 
bark,  and  how  very  strange  it  must  appear  to  every  reflect- 
ing person  to  see  those  affected  with  disease,  paying  high 
prices  for  foreign  medicines,  the  strength  of  which  must  be 
diminished  by  age,  and  many  times  adulterated  with  oth- 
er substances,  wholly  inapplicable  to  thevdiseases  for  which 
they  are  intended,  while  their  own  farms  abound  with  an 
article  equally  good,  if  not  superior  to  the  foreign  article, 
even  if  it  could  be  obtained  pure,  and  in  a  fresh  state.  The 
poplar  bark  is  valuable  in  dyspepsia,  in 'dysentery,  i<,nd  in 
chronic  rheumatism,  if  given  in  acute  rhe  imatism,  where 
is  also  some  inflammatory  fever,  it  will  increase  the  fever, 
and  I  here  repeat,  and  hope  it  Will  be  remembered  by  the 
reader,  that  stimulants  should  never  be  given  in  fever 
which  continue-:  without  intermission;  but  they  may  al- 
ways be  givpn  with  advantage,  and  safety  where  there 
are  periodica}  cessations  of  fever,  by  which  is  meant  such 
fevers  as  cool  off  once  in  twenty- four  or  forty-oi  rlit  hours. 
Jt  is  anthelmintic  or  a  good  warm  medicine;  the  best  mode 
of  administering  it  for  worms  is  in,  powder  combined:  with 


224  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

honey.  Children  that  are  subject  to  warm  spasms  may  be 
entirely  relieved  by  taking  a  tea-spoonful  of  the  powder  in 
honey  every  morning  on  a  fasting  stomach.  It  is  good  in 
cholera  infantum,  (pukiug  and  purging)  among  children 
after  the  stomach  has  been  cleansed,  or  the  puking  check- 
ed by  the  use  of  the  cholera  morbus  root.  The  pulverized 
bark  digested  in  whiskey  forms  an  excellent  family  bitter; 
giving  a  tone  to  the  stomach  and  bowels,  especially  when 
the  boWels  are  in  a  relaxed  state,  which  require  strength- 
ening medicines. 

Several  physicians  among  the  whites  say  that  in  their 
hands  it  has  entirely  relieved  breast  complaints  attended 
with  symptoms  similar  to  those  of  pulmonary  consumption, 
where  the  patient  had  hectic  fever  attended  with  night 
sweats,  weak  bowels,  &c.  They  administer  the  powder 
combined  with  laudanum.  For  women  afflicted  with  hys- 
terics and  weakness  it  is  an  excellent  medicine.  It  may 
be  given  in  decoction,  tincture  or  powder,  but  in  most  ca- 
ses the  powder  is  the  best,  except  where  a  family  bitter  is 
desired.  The  bark  should  be  taken  irorn  the  tree  in  the 
month  of  January  or  February,  and  dried;  as  soon  as  dry  it 
should  be  pulverized  and  bottled  for  use. 


[tsu-you-e-you-stee.] 

YELLOW  SARSAPPARILLA. 
(Menisjpermufix  Canadansis.) 

Yellow  Sarsapparilla  is  a  native  of  the  United  States, 
and  grows  mostly  in  rich  moist  lands,  in  river  and  creek 
bottoms.  It.  has  a  long,  yellow,  wocdy,  perennial  root, 
with  but  few  fibres,  the  root  runs  very  shallow,  and  is  very 
easily  pullet!  from  the  earth.  Its  vine  is  woody,  small,  of 
■x  dark  green  or  brown  color,  running  from  six  to  twelve 
feet  high,  turning  around  whatever  happens  to  be  near  it. 
Its  leaves  are  few  and  scattering,  deeply  indented,  and  in 
shape  bears  a  strong  resemblance  of  the  maple  leaf. 

The  root  is  the  part  used  as  medicine.  It  is  valuable  in 
all  diseases  of  the  skin;  it  is  a  good  laxative  bitter  tonic, 
useful  hi  debility,  giving  tone  to  the  stomach,  and  vigor  to 
the  nervosa  system.,  Where  the  system  1  ,s  been  injured 
"by  the  use  of  mercury  and  is  laboring  under  great  debility, 
it  certainly  is  a  Valuable  medicine.    It  has  a  gentle  ter- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  225 

dency  to  determine  the  fluids  to  the  surface,  or  excite 
prespiration.  It  is  good  for  weakly  females,  afflicted 
with  weak  stomachs  and  bowels  ;, it  is  also  good  in  the 
treatment  ofvenerial — it  maybe  used  in  the  decoction  or 
bitters. 


[ah-so-e-no-o-ona-ker.] 

WHITE  SARSAPARILLA— (Smilax  Sarsaparilla.) 

This  vine  is  a  native  of  the  United:  States,  and  also  of 
the  Spanish  West  Indies.  It  is  a  small  running  vine,  of  a 
dark  color  outside,  and  a  pale  white  within,  the  main  vine 
is  about  the  size  of  a  common  goose  quill,  it  bears  a 
strong  resemblance  to  the  yellow  Sarsaparilla,  and  possess- 
es similar  and  medical  qualities,  though  in  a  more  active 
degree;  it  is  more  bitter  to  the  taste  than  the  yellow,  the 
leaves  are  not  quite  so  .large,  and  of  a  darker  green,  the 
root  when  broken  is  much  whiter  than  that  of  the  yel- 
.ow — it  does  not  make  quite  so  pleasant  a  bitter  for  com- 
mon family  use  as  the  yellow  does.  The  white  sarsapa- 
■illa  grows  mostly  in  rich  cultivated  lands,  and  along  the 
borders  of  meadows.  X  have  used  the  white  Sarsaparilla 
n  bitters  with  great  successful  nervous  debility.  It  is  al- 
io useful  in  drops}-,  gout,  scrofulous  sores,  rheumatism, 
and  diseases  induced,  by  the  .use  of  mercury.  For  that 
loathsome  and  disgraceful  disease  pox,  it  is  an  excel- 
lent remedy:  in  this  disease  it  is  used  in  decoction  in  com- 
bination with  the  yellow  sarsaparilla  and  wild  mercury;  it 
is  also  a  great  tonic  and  strengthener  of  the  digestive  or- 
gans. It  is  valuable  in  dyspepsia,  and  chronic  affection:-' 
of  the  liver.  When  it  is  taken  in  chronic  diseases,  or 
where  tiiere  is  no  fever  and  much  debility,  it  should  be  ta- 
ken in  spirits  as  bitters.  But  when  used  where  there  is 
fever,  as  in  pox^&c,  it  should  be  taken  in  decoction,  ma.de 
by  cutting  or  splitting  an  ounce  of  the  root  fine,  boil  it  in 
a  half  gallon  of  water,  down  to  a  quart,  of  this,  drink  from 
a  half  pintjto  apint  a  day,  or  in  larger  quantities  if  desired; 
for,  although  it  possesses  great  power;  yet  it  is  entirely  in- 
nocent in  its  operation  on  the  system. 


WILD  HOARHOUND— ( Eupalorium  Pilorum.) 

""The  wildhoarhound  is  too  Well  known  to  need  a  des- 
M 


2-26  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

cription.  The  leaves  are  remarkably  bitter  to  the  taste. 
The  leaves  art  the  part  used,  and  are  a  valuable  laxa- 
tive bitter  tonic.  Thev  should  be  boiled  to  a  verv  strong- 
decoction  and  sweetened  with  honey  to  the  consistency 
of  syrup,  taken  in  table-spoonful  doses,  three  times  a  day. 
It  is  good  in  consumption  and  breast  complaints  generally: 
also  in  colds,  phthisics,  &c.  It  may  be  used  in  all  cases 
where  laxative  tonics  are  required,  particular  in  chronic 
diseases,  in  advanced  stages  where  the  stomach  requires 
a  bittei:  tonic.  It  produces  a  disposition  to  sweat,  and 
gently  increase  the  secretion  of  urine,  these  added  to  its 
tonic  and  cathartic  properties  render  in  a  valuable  medi- 
cine. 


SNAKE  HEAD— (Chelcna  Glabra), 

This  plant  has  a  perennial  root,  or  one  that  is  not  killed 
by  the  frosts  of  winter,  its  stem  is  square  sometimes  erect 
but  often  bendnig.  The  flowers  grow  out  at  the  end  of 
the  stem,  andof  different  colors  in  the  different  varie- 
ties of  this  plant,  as  white-spotted,  white  red  and  purplish  ; 
the  flowers  in  shape  resembles  the  head  of  a  snake,  with 
its  mouth  open;  the  leaves  are  opposite  of  a  dark  green 
color,  and  bear  a  slight  resemblance  to  mint  leaves,  thev 
turn  black  on  being  drie$,  and  are  very  bitter  to  the  taste. 
The  leaves  are'.ihe  best  part  for  the  medicinal  purposes, 
and  may  be  used  in  decoction,  in  powder,  or  tinctured  in 
wine  or  peach  brandy. 

It  is  a  powerful  bitter  tonic,  and  acts  powerfully  on  the 
digestive  organs,  it  increases  the  appetite  equal  to  any 
I  have  ever  administered.  Such  persons  as  are  afflicted 
with  biles,  and  sores  or  eruptions  of  the  skin,  will*  derive 
great  advantage  from  its  use.  It  is  also  useful  in  fevers 
when  atonic  is  required.  The  powders  taken  in  large 
doses  is, cathartic,  and  in  some  instances  acts  as  well  »s 
:i  warm  medicine:  but  should  not  be  given  when  there  is 
much  excitement  or  fever.  ]n  worm  complaints  when 
there  is  but  little  fever  it 'may  be  used  to  advantage. 


ANGELLICA — (Commonly  called  Angcllico.) 

■ 

Thi$  plant  is  well  known   and  grows  most  plentifully 
on  rich  hill  sides,  and  mountainous  countries.     The    root 


INDIAN  GkUDE  -TO  HEALTH.  227 

is  possessed  o$  the  strangest  medicinal  virtues,  bat*  the 
wholeV^lant  partakes  of  the  same,  though  in  a  less  active 
degree.  Combined  with  dog-wood  bark  and  yellow  pop- 
lar root  bark,  it  is  a  good  tonic  after  long  spells  of  ague 
and  fever,  it  may  be  taken  in  spirits-  if  preferred.  The 
decoction  sweetened  with  honey,  taken  at;  bedtime,  say  a 
gill,  is  good  for  colds  of  long  standing,  obstructed  men- 
.ses,  &:C.  It  is  an  excellent  stimulating  and  sweating  med- 
icine, and  is  peculiarly  adapted  to  weakly  females,  of 
nervous  and  phlegmatic  habits.  Either  in  decoction  or 
tincture  it  is  good  for  flatulent  colics,  and  when  tinctured 
is  quite  pleasant.  A -strong  decoction  of  the  root  makes  a 
very  good  gargle  for  .soar  throat,  and  mouth. 


[oO-TE-TI-SI-KEE.] 

SOLOMON'S  S$\L—(Co?iV£tllaria  Multifiora.) 

The  leaves  of  this -plant  are  of  a  dark  green  color,  rib- 
bed, clasping  the  stem,  and  of  an  oblong  or  oval  shape. 
The  flowers  grow  out  along  the  side  of  the  stalk,  and  forms 
a  kind  of  angle  with  the  leaves. 

The, root  is  the  part  used.  It  is  a  mild  tonic,  and  is 
useful  in  general  debility,  and  diseases  of  the  breast  or 
lungs.  It  is  also  good  for  weakly  females  afflicted  with 
whites  or  profuse  menstruation,  it  may  be  used  either  in 
tea  or  syrrup.  In  dysentery  or  old  bowel  complaints  it  is 
an  excellent  remedy,  ana  seldom  fails  to  effect  a  cure  if  its 
use  is  persevered  in  for  any  length  of  time.  . 


[TAK-LAA-NE-GA-007NAH-STA-TSE. 
GOLDEN  &&XL—(Hi/drastus  Canadensis.) 

Golden. seal  has  a  perennial  root,  or  one  that  is  not  kill- 
ed by  the  frosts  of  winter,  it  is  of  a  bright  yellow  color, 
he, main  root  is  crooked,   rough,  and  very  knotty,  with 
nany  small  roots  or  fibres.     Its  stem  rises  from  ten  to  f  f 
een  inches  high,  round,  straight,  and  commonly   bear* 
•>n  the  top  two  leaves,  they  are  rough,  and  bear  some  re- 
semblance to  the  maple  leaf.     It  produces  but  one  flower 
which  is  succeeded  by  a  beautiful  red,  fleshy  berry,  which 
contains  the  seeds,     It  is  a  valuable  bitter  tonic,  and  may 
be  used  in  all  cases  of  general  debility,  as  it  willvjstrength- 
,en    the  digestive  .organs,  improve  the   appetite^,  and  in. 


2ii8  INDIAN  GUIDE  "TO  HEALTH. 

crease  the  tone  and  strength  of  the  organic  system 
throughout,  it- may  be  used  with  great  advantage  when 
recovering  from  fevers  or  other  diseases  which  cause  de- 
bility, it  is  useful  in  relieving  the  disagreeable  sensatidn 
arising  from  indigestible  food,  which  is  so  often 'experi- 
enced by  those  laboring  under  dyspepsy.  The  dose  is 
about,  a  tea-spoonfull  of  the  pulverized  root,  infused  in 
hot  water.  It  may  be  used  alone  or  combined  with  oth- 
er tonics.  The  decoction  of  this  root,  used  externally  as 
a  wash  or  bath,  is  good  to  allay  local  inflammations. 


FENNEL,  SWEET  FENNEL. 
(Aneihum  Fcenicular. 

Sweet-fennel  is  a  garden  herb,  and  is  too  well  known 
to  require  a  description.  The  seeds  of  the  fennel  are  a 
pleasant  aromatic  .tonic,  pulverized  and  sweetened  with 
honey  or  sugar,  or  in  decoction  sweetened;  they  are  ad- 
mirably adapted  to  pains  in  the  stomach  and  bowels,  col- 
ics, &c.  There  are  few  better  articles  for  young  children 
afflicted  with  flatulent  colic,  than  sweet  fennel  seeds. — 
Given  to  women  in  labor,  when  the  pains  are  short,  fol- 
lowed by  sickness  at  the  stomach,  they  will  generally 
produce  good  effects  by  relieving  the  sickness,  and 
strengteening  the  system,  so  as  to  enable  nature  to  per- 
form her  task.  The  fennel  seeds  may  be  used  in  bitters 
either  alone  or  with  other  articles  as  they  will  greatly  im- 
prove the  taste  of  other  tonics.  The  oil  obtained  from 
the  fennel  seeds  is  valuable  for  colds,  colics,  &c. 


WILLOW.— (Salte.) 

There  are  several  varieties  of  the  Willow,  all  possess- 
ing similar  properties  as  medicine,  the  white  is  some  the 


strongest  or  most  active. 


The  bark  of  the  Willow  is  tonic,  and  may  be  employed 
as  a  substitute  for  dog-wood  or  Peruvian  bark.  It  is 
generally  taken  in  decoction,  say  half  a  gill  three  or  four 
times  a  day.  But  the  principal  use  made  of  it  by  us  is  in 
poultices,  made  by  thickening  wheat  bran  or  rye  meal 
in  a  strong  decoction  of  the  root  or  bark  of  the  root. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  ITO  HEALTH.  229 

[Oo-NA-KER-OO-XAH-STA-.TSE.j 

{The  English  name  not  known.) 

This  is  a*  small  white  tender  looking  root,  never  grow- 
ing larger  than  a  common  pea  and  seklem  so  large,  .when 
the  stalk  is  taken  up  several  small  balls  or  roots  are  found 
under  it  very  much  resembling  a  hill  of  yam-potatoes,  on- 
ly so  very  much  smaller;  the  external  appearance  of  the 
root  bears  a  strong,  resemblance  to  the  artichoke,  and 
when  br,oken  it  looks  clear  like  the  artichoke,  and  pos- 
sesses a  taste  not  very  dissimilar  to  the  taste  of  that  root; 
these  little  balls  or  roots  are  generally  round, but  sometimes 
inclined  to  be  long,  never  exceeding  a  half  inch  in  length 
to  the  best  of  my  knowledge;  these  little  knots  or  roots 
are  attached  by  a  small  fiber  which  extends  from  the 
main  root  and  then  from  one  to  the  other.     The  stem 
grows  from  six  to  twelve  inches  high,  small,  smooth  and 
divides  into  three  branches,  sometimes  only  two,  near  the 
top;  each  branch  has  three  smooth  leaves,  oval  and  scol- 
laped,  or  indented  irregularly  at  the  outer  or  extreme  end 
of  a  light  or  pale  green  color,  seldom  if  ever  more  than  an 
inch  in  length  raid  narrowed  at  the  end  which  is  attached 
to  the  stem.     The  stem  is  of  a  whitish  purple  color  and 
not  thicker  than  a  course  sewing  needle.     The  stalk  and 
leaves  of  this  plant,  bear  such  a  strong  resemblance  to 
that  of  the  cholera  morbus  weed,  that  the  one  is  often  mis- 
taken for  the  other  until  the  root  is  examined,  which  bears 
no  likeness  whatever.     The  root  of  this  plant  is  a  valua- 
ble tonic.     Persons  that  have  become  lean  and  emacia- 
ted, have  often  recovered  their  flesh  by  the  use  of  this  ar- 
ticle alone.     Infants  when  very  young,  appearing  to  dwin- 
dle and  pine  away,  will  derive  great  benefit  from  the  use 
of  this  root.     The  manner  of  using  it  is  to  bruise  it  and 
put  it  in  cold  water  and  make  it  a  constant  drink.     Wo- 
men that  have  been  married  for  a  number  of  years  and 
had  no  children,  on  making  a  constant  drink  of  this  root, 
have  been  blessed  with  a  healthy  offspring.     Where  the 
general  health  appears  to  be  good,  I  believe  this  root  will 
in  most  instances  prove  a  cure  for  barrenness. 


[Tex-tah-yah.] 
WILD  CHERRY-TREE.— Prunus  Cerasus. 
The  bark  of  the  wild  cherry  tree  is  tonic  and  astringent; 


230  '■■'■  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALf  H. 

as  a  tonic  it  ranks  next  to  the  dog-wood  bark,  a  no*  may  Ik? 
combined  Hvith  that  'article,  with  great  advantage.  It 
may  be  given  either  powdered  in  substance  as  the  otfaer 
barks  are|  or  it  may  be  given  in  decoction;;  a  handful  of 
ibe  inner  bark,  to  a  quart  of  Water,  taken  in  teacupful 
doses  three  or  four  times  a  day.  It  is  a  good  tonic  in  inter- 
mittent fevers,  and  in  ^billious  fevers  in  the  advanced  sta- 
ges, when  tonics  are  requisite,  the  cherry  bark,  in  wine  or 
French  brandy  is  a  most  excellent  toitic,  particularly 
where  the  stomach  and  bowels  are  debilitated.  Like 
other  tonics  it  should  never  be  taken  when  the  fever  is  on. 
The  gum  of  the  wild-cherry  tree  is  equal  to  the  gum  ara- 
bic  obtained  in  the  shops,   and  toiay  be  used  in  all  c-ises 

'  which  call  for  the  arabic  gum.  The  bark  of  the  tamo 
cherry  tree  of  this  country,  digested  in  spirits  makes  a 
wholesome,  and  tolerable  pleasant  family  bitter. 

A  strong  decoction  of  the  i$\&  cherry  tree  bark  is  val- 
uable in  the  treatment  of-  jatmdice,  as  may  be  seen  by 
turning  to  the  treatment  of  jaundice,  the  inner  bark  may 
be  bruised  and  taken  in  spirits  if  preferred.     The  bark  of 

%  the  root  in  decoction  forms  a  valuable  wash  for  old  sores, 

*   and  foul,  ill  conditioned  ulcers. 


[Cah-he-cah.] 
BLACK   HAW. 

This  shrub  or  bush  grows  in  many  parts  of  the  United 
States;  it  bears  a  small  fruit  which  is  considered  by  some- 
very  delicious;  this  bush  is  so  -well  known  in  the  country 
where  it  grows  as  to  render  a  description  needless. 

The  bark  of  the  root  of  this  bush  is  tonic  and  diaphoretic, 
combined  with  dog-wood,  or  wild  cherry  tree  bark,  it 
forms  a  good  tonic  in  intermittent  fever  or  ague  and  fever. 
The  bark  of  the  root  in  spirits,  is  a  very  good  family  bit- 
ter. When  it  is  necessary  for  pregnant  women  to  take  a. 
sweat,  this  Haw-root  bark  is  used  combined  with  other 
articles. 


[Sah-ko-ne-ga-tse-kee.] 
CHOLERA-MORBUS  ROOT. 

The  herb  is*,  mostly  found  in  bottoms  and  on  the  banks 
ofdiesrreams'in  shady  places.     Mias  a  Whitish,«fibrous 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  231 

root,  rather  small,  smooth,  growing  from  six  inches  to  a 
foot  high — leaves  smooth,  roundish  with  an  indentation 
on  each  side,  of  a  bright  green  color.  The  top  of  this 
bears  a  strong  resemblance  to  the  top  of  the  Oo-ne-kee- 
oo-nah-ste-tse.  It  generally  grows  some  taller  than  that 
herb,  and  the  leaves  are  of  a  brighter  green.  When  dug 
they  are  easily  distinguished  ;  one  having  a  fibrous  roof, 
and  the  other  small  balls  or  lumps  attached  by  fine  thread 
like  roots.  The  root  is  the  part  used;  it  is  tonic,  anticep- 
tic,  antiemetic;  and  is  a  certain  remedy  for  cholera-mor- 
bus. 


IRON  FILINGS. 

Commonly  called  steel  or  iron  dust,  is  made  by  heating 
a  piece  of  iron  or  steel  to  a  very  great  heat,  and  rubbing 
it  with  rolls  of  brimstone,  and  let  the  melted  parts  drop 
into  a  vessel  of  water;  then  reduce  it  to  a  fine  powder; 
and  sift  it  through  a  muslin  cloth;  it  may  be  given  in  doses 
of  from  8  to  20  grains  to  suit  the  diferent  age  and  strength 
of  the  patient.  This  is  a  most  valuable  tonic,  good  in 
dropsies,  liver  complaints,  weak  stomach  and  bowels,  and 
in  most  cases  of  debility. 


GENTAIN. 


This  herb  grows  mostly  in  dry,   oak  and  hickory  land. 
It  has  a  long  round,  tapering,  perennial  root.     Sometimes 
of  a  light  and  other  times-of  a  darkish  brown  color.  Stems 
•ire  many,  erect,  round  growing  from  two  to   three   feet- 
high.  Leaves  are  opposite,  lower  ones  connate  or  joined 
together,  so  as  to  have  the  appearance  of  being  but  one, 
withthe   stem  passing  through  the  centre.     Flowers  grow 
at  the  base  of  the  leaves,  of  a  reddish  color,  and  are  succee- 
ded by  large,  yellow  berries,  crowned  with   four   or  five 
leaflets,  which  are  the  calyx  of  the  flower.     Flowers   are 
t'tom  two  to  six  in  number.     The  root  is  the  part  used ;  it 
has  a  pleasant  bitter  taste;  it  is  tonic,  stimulant   and  ca- 
i  hartic  ;  it  is  one  of  the  best  laxative  bitter  tonics   in  the 
Indian    materia    medica.    It   is   one    of  the  most  valu- 
able remedies  for  weak  stomach    &nd  hysterical  affec- 
tions; for  this  purpose,  it  may  be  tak^nin  spirits  or  bitters. 
It  may  also  be  taken  in  infusion,  hvdoses  of  a  tea-cupful. 


232  INDIAN  tGHOTE  TQ^IEALTH;, 


*.i 


three  or  four  times  a  day.  It  is  an.  excellent  medicine  for 
dyspesy,  either  alone  or  combined  with  other  articles — it 
prevents  the  food  from  souring  and  oppressing  the  stomach. 
In  short  it  is  one  of  the  best  common  place  medicines  in  my 


knowledge. 


.  CLASS  No.  V. 

ASTRINGENTS. 

Astringents  are  medicines  that  are  used  to  render  the 
solids  more  dense  and  firm,  in  order  to  correct  debility 
and  looseness.  'They  exercise  a  very  powerful  and  ex- 
tensive influence  on  the  system  and  are  of  greater  or  less 
utility  in  the  treatment  of  most  diseases  which  the  human 
family  are  subject.  In  the  incipient  or  forming  stages  of 
diseases,  this  class  of  medicines,  if  properly  administered, 
will  often  throw  it  off  entirely.  Their  free  use  when  re- 
covering from  disease,  has  a  tendency  to  prevent  relap- 
ses. Medicines  of  this  class  must  be  used  sparingly,  or  o- 
mitted  altogether  in  some  cases,  such  as  obstinate  costive- 
ness,  high  fever,  attended  with  extreme  dryness  of  the 
mouth,  &c.  Astringent  tonics,  are  such  as  relieve  flood- 
ings  and  hemorrhages  of  every  kind  and  may  be  advanta- 
geously employed  in  all  profuse  evacuations  and  relaxed 
states  of  the  system. 


[Cah-sta-see.] 
NEVER    WET. 

This  valuable  and  singular  plant  is  found  growing  in 
the  water,  particulary  in  slow  running  spring  branches,  in 
the  Southern  parts  of  the  United  States.  The  stem  always 
grows  to  the  surface  of  the  water  let  it  be  what  depth  it 
may,  before  its  leaf  comes  out ;  the  leaf  always  lies  on  the 
surface  of  the  water,  it  is  from  six  to  twelve  inches  long 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  233 

and  two  or  three  iiiehes  wide;  its  color  is  a  pale  or  light 
green  ;  its  surface  is  remarkably  smooth  and  glossy  as  if 
covered  over  with  oil,  so  that  the  water  will  not  wet  it — 
from  this  circumstance  it  takes  its  name  Never  Wet.  The 
whole  leaf  is  very  tender,  thick  and  fleshy.  They  are  ex- 
cellent, wilted  or  scalded  and  spread  on  burns  of  any  kind. 
They  may  be  bruised  or  beaten  and  applied  in  the  form  of 
a  poultice  ;  they  are  also  a  good  dressing  for  blisters  and 
ulceus,  or  sores  of  almost  every  kind,  giving  much  relief 
to.  the  pain  so  generally  experienced  in  scalds  burns,  sores 
and  other  inflammations. 


BALM  OF  GILEAD.— {Amyris,  Gildensis.) 

The  tree  known  in  this  country  by  this  name,  is  mostly 
cultivated  as  an  ornament  for  yards.  The  genuine  Balm 
of  Gileadisa  native  of  Asia,  and  grows  near  the  city  of 
Mecca,  on  the  Asiatic  side  of  the  Red  Sea.  That  growing 
inGilead,  was  anciently  esteemed  the  best,  and  was  thot" 
by  the  ancients  to  possess  remedial  virtues  for  almost  eve- 
ry disease — hence  this  tree  received  the  name  of  the  Balm 
ofGilead.  v'  — ■'  ' 

The  American  Gilead  is.a  species  of  this. tree,  and  as  I 
before  told  you,  is  mostly  cultivated  as  a  yard  ornament  in 
the  Southern  and  middle  States,  it  cannot  bear  the  severi- 
ty, of  Northern  winters.  Its  leaves  are  large,  smooth  and 
beautiful,  nearly  of  a  heart  shape. "  The  bark  of  the 
young  tree  is  smooth,..both  the  bark  and  leaves  resemble 
those  of  the  lumbardy  popl&iy.but  it  does,  not  grow  so  tall 
and  erect. 

The  tincture  of  the  buds  is. good  for  eholic,  old  bowel 
complaints,  both  among'  children  a|id  grown  persons;  it  is 
also  good  for  chronic;  rheumatism  and  may  be  rendered 
better  for  the  rheumatism  by  adding  the  bark  of  prickly 
ash.  For  rheumatism,  the 'tincture  of  the  buds  must  be 
applied  externally  to  the  affected  part,  and  a  tincture  of 
prickly  ash  bark'. and  the  Gil,e,ad  buds  drank  as  bitters,  say 
three  times  a  day;,'-  This  tincture  is  also  good  for  old  ven- 
ereal complaints"*,  steeped,  in  water  or  taken  in  tincture, 
It  is  excellent  forepersons  of  weakly,  phlegmatic  habits.— 
The  bark  agtU  leaves  possess  medicinal  virtues,  but  in  a  less 
active  degree 'than  the;  Buds.,  The  buds  stewed  in  deer 
or  sheep.suet,  niakes  a  most  excellent  salve,  when  combined 


234  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

in  proper  proportions,  but  if  too  strong  with  the  buds,  it 
will  irritate  the  wound  and  make  it  worse.  The  buds 
are  valuable  in  salves  or  ointments,  for  tetter- worm,  scald 
head,  burns,  &c.  The  tincture  of  the  Buds,  or  some  of 
the  gum  or  rosin  offof  the  buds  put  into  the  hollow  of  an 
aching  tooth,  will  generally  give  relief.  The  buds  are 
found  on  the  tree  nearly  all  the  year,  they  are ,  large  of  a 
brownish  color,  and  contain  a  considerable  quantity  of  a 
kind  of  a  gurn-rpsin"  or  .balsam.  A  sytuj)  made  .of  the 
buds  and  sweetened  with  honey  is  Ch  excellent  wash 
for  the  sore  mouth. 


[CjEE-GAH-GAY-AH-TAH-Y^H.] 

%HE  OAK.— (Quercus.) 

We  have  several  species  of  thejOak,  as  the  black,  \fhite, 
red,  &c,  all  possessing  similar  medical  qualities.  The  bark 
is  the  part  used,  and  is  astringent,  ionic,  and  antiseptic. 

After   long  fevers,  intermittent?,   indigestion,  chronic, 
dysentery,  or  any  debility  of  the  system,  it  is  a  most  valu- 
able astringent  tonic — in  decoction  is  the  best  mode  of  u- 
sing  it.     It.  constitutes  the  best  bathe  in  my  knowledge  for 
persons  of  weak,  debilitated  or  relaxed  habits.     Repeated 
instances  have  occurred,  in  which  persons,  especially  chil- 
dren, have  been  reduced  to  mere  skeletons,  by   long  con- 
tinued bowel  complaints,  their  stomachs  had  become   so 
irritable  as  to  render  it  impossible  to  relieve  them  by  med- 
icines taken  internally,  and  Were  restored  .to    health   by 
bathing  in  a  strong  decocticn  of  the  Oak  bark   twice  a 
day.     The  decdeikm  thickened  and  applied  as  a  poultice. 
is  good  to  reduce  inflammation  and  prevent mortification. 
I  believe  the  red  oak  to  be  the  best  for  poultices.  ..Chil- 
dren afflicted  with  chills  and   fevers,  when  too  vpung  to 
take  tonics  into  the  stomach;  have  often  been  relieved  by 
ba1  hi ng  them  in  a  strong  decoction   of  dog-wood  and  red- 
;  oak  bark  at  the  tirhc  when  the  fever  was  off,  and  applying 
the  pulverized  bark  of  the   dog-wood  to  the  waist,  wrists 
and  ankles,  by  the  means  of  bandages — flannel  is  the  best: 
the  bath  should  be  administered  about  six  or  seven  hours 
before  the  ^hill  is  expected,  and  as  soon  as  the  patient  is 
taken   from   the   bath,  the  above    application  should  be 
made,  and  it  should  remain  until  the  approach  of  the  chill. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  235 

[Oo-TO-SEE-NER-TUH.] 

DEWBERRY.— (Robus  Procumbent.) 

The  root  of  the  dewberry  brier  is  astringent  and  tonic, 
and  are  valuable  in  the  treatment  of  venereal.  A  decoc- 
tion of  this  root  and  the  root  of  the  blue*,  flag,  has  often 
cured  this  dirty  complaint  in  a  few  days.  The  roof  boiled 
in  new  milk  or  water,  is  good  for  persons  afflicted  with 
chronic,  or4  old  bowel  complainsts,  particularly  in  aged 
persons,  and  such  as  have  weak  or  debilitated  constitu- 
tions. The  tincture  is  good  for  persons  of  weakly  phleg- 
matic habits,  perhaps  better  than  the  decoction.  The  de- 
coction sweetened  with  horiey,  makes  a  healing  wash  for 
sore  throatand  mouth,  and  will  sometimes'eure  the  thrash. 

The  Blackberry  possesses  the  same  medicinal  proper- 
ties that  the  Dewberry  does,  but  in  a  less  active  degree. 

T."  I, 

■-  [Tse-'lah-lee.] 

SWEIT-GUM    TR$E. 

The  Sweet-Gum  is  too  we'll  known  to  need  a  descrip- 
tion: it  grows  in  great  abundance  in  many  places  in  the 
U.  States,  generally  in  rich  bottoms  or  low  lands,  The 
ifiner  bark,  leaves  and  rosin,  or  gum,  are  the  parts  used 
for  medicine  :  the  rosin  or  inner  bark  is  excellent  for 
diarrhoea,  dysentery  or' flux.  When  the  bark  is  ased,  it 
'should  be  boiled  to  a  strong  decoction  in  new  mMk  or  wa- 
ter, and  the  decoction  taken  in  teaicupful  closes  every  hour 
until  relief  is  obtained..  It^nay  perhaps  be  necessary  ts> 
-cleanse  the  stomach  and  bowels  with  a  cooling  cathartic 
previous  to  taking  the  Sweet  Gum  tea  :  the  rosin  is  valu- 
able in  bowel  complaints,  but  must  be  used  with  caution,, 
lest  it  should  prove  toobinding,  and  thereby  produce  too 
Lmuch  excitement  in  the  system.  The  leaves  bruised  and 
steeped  in  cold  water,  is  a  good  wash  tor  scald  head :  the 
gum  or  rosin,  forms  an  excellent  ingredient  in  salve  for 
wounds,  sores,  ulcers,  &c.  It  is  also  good  mixed  with 
sheep  or  cow's  tallow  for  itch  :  it  seldom  fails  to  cure  the 
itch  if  applied  persever'ingly. 


PEHSI  M  M  O  N . 


1  The^Persimnfon  grows  in  nlost  parts^of  the  Union  and 
isSvelf  known  to  almost  every? person. 


236  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

The  bark  of  the  tree  and  root  and  unripe. fruit  are  highly 
astringent.  The  bark  of  the  root  forms  an  ingredient,  in 
thg  depoction  or  beer  for  venereal,  as  may  be  seen  in  the 
treatment  of  that  disease.  A  strong  deception  of.  the  in- 
ner bark  sweetened  with  honey  is  a  valuable  remedy  ,foi? 
sore  throat  and  mouth.  Made  into  syrup,  it  is  good  for 
thrush,  and  may  be  made  better  by  mixing  with  it  a  liitle 
finely  pulverized  Borax.  The  decoction  is.  a  good  astrin- 
gent wash  in  all  cases  where  astringents  are  required, 
used  as  a  wash  or  bath  to  the  fundament  it  is  an  excellent 
remedy  in  case  of  piles;  it  may  be  applied  by  wetting  lint 
Hi  the  decoction  and  applying  it  to  the  fundament? . 

[Oo-ster-oo-ste-lur-e-stee]  : 
COMFRE  Y.— (Consolida.) 

Of  this  plant  there  are  two  kinds,,  the  wild  and  garden 
Comfrey.  Of  the  two  species  the  garden  comfrey  is  some 
the  best,  owing  to  its  containing  more  mucilage  or  jelly, 
and  not  being  quite  so  hard  and  tough  as  the  wild. 

A  handful  of  the  roots  boiled  in  new  milk  and  drank 
ireely,  is  good  for  flooding  after. child-birth.  A  gill  of  the 
milk  in  which  comfrey  root  has  been  boiled„given  every 
half  hour,  is  amongst  the  best  remedies. tor  flux  or  dysen- 
tery. The  root  sliced  and  steeped  in  water  and  used,  as  a 
common  drink  is  good  in  clap  (gonorrhea,)  also  for  stric- 
tures, or  heat,  in  making  water  it  is  excellet.  The  root 
infused  in  cold  water  and  made  a  constant  drink,  is  valua- 
ble for  pregnant  women  who  are  troubled,  with  heart-burn, 
costiveness.  &c.  It  is  also  excellent,  for  such  females  as 
from  sexual  weakness  are  troubled.,  with  menstrual  j  dis- 
charges and  other  symptoms  of  abortion  during  pregnan- 
cy. A  poultice  made  by  brusjng  and  boiling  the.:,,  root  is 
valuable  to  reduce  inflammation  and  prevent  mortifica- 
tion. The  writer  can,  bear  testimony  of  the,  efficacy  of 
this  poultice,  it  having  removed  the  inflammation  from  a 
wound  for  him,  after  it  had  thrown  him  into  high  fevers, 
without  the.aid  of  other  remedies.  The  poultice  is  made 
by  pounding  or  bruising  the  root  fine,  boiling  it  in  new 
milk  or  water  and  thickpning.it  with  wheat  bran  or  corn 
meal.  The  bruised  root , wet  with  vinegar  is  excellent  ap- 
plied to  sprains,  bruises  and  bealings;  it  will  often  drive 
back  the  worst  of  healings  when  other  applications  fail.. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEATTH.  237 

AGRIMONY— STICK- WORT. 

(Agrimonia  Eupatoria.) 

Agrimony  has  a  dark;  fiberous,  perennial  root;  its  stem 
is  round  and  hairy,  growing  from  one  to  two  feet  high; 
leaves  are  alternate,  rough,  hairy,  ragged  and  unequal, 
the  lower  ones  the  largest.  The  blossoms  grow  on  a  long 
terminal  spike,  which  is  merely  a  continuation  of  the 
main  stem — they  are  of  a  yellow  color;  and  produce  a 
small  bristly  brier,  which  in'the  fall  of  the  year  sticks  to 
clothes  that  comes  in  contact  with  it. 

The  root  reduced  to  powders  and  combined  with  other 
articles,  is  much  used  in  the  treatment  of  pox,  as  may  be 
seen  by  referring  to  that  head.  It  forms  an  ingredient  in 
the  nerve  powders.  A  decoction  of  the  root  is  valauble  iii 
habitual  diarrhea  or  looseness,  and  in  all  cases  of  extreme 
debility. 


PRINCE'S  FEATHER— AMARANTH. 
(Amaranthus  Sanguineous.) 

The  Prince's  Feather  is  much  cultivated  in  the  gardens 
of  this  country  for  its  beautiful  appearance.  It  grow?; 
from  two  to  four  feet  high,  the  whole  plant,  more  or  less, 
exhibits  a  red  appearance,  but  the  bloom  is  of  a  beautiful 
bright  red. 

The  leaves  are  the  part  mostly  used,  and  rank  among 
the  most  active  astringents,  often  relieving  fioodings  and 
profusehnenstruation  whim  other  remedies  have  failed. — 
The  decoction  is  the  best,  mode  of  using  it.  The  quantity 
taken  must  be  regulated  by  the  effects  produced. 


CRANE'S  BILL. — (Geranium  Maculatum.) 

This  plant  is  found  growing  mostly  in  meadows  and 
low,  wet  grounds;  its  root  is  generally  crooked  and  knotty, 
blackish  on  the  outside,  and  reddish  within;  it  has  a  rough 
taste,  leaving  an  aromatic  flavor  behind;  its  stalks  are 
slender,  from  six  inches  to  a  foot  high;  bearing  seven  long, 
narrow  leaves  at  a  joint. 

The  root  is  the  part  mostly  used,  pounded  fine  and  made 
into  a  poultice  with  cold  water,  it  is  the  best  thing  to  stop 
bleeding  that  I  have  ever  tried.     The  Cherokees,  as  weK 


238  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

as  several  other  tribes  of  the  Natives,  place  unbounded 
confidence  in  this  root  as  a  styptic.  It  is  said  by  some  of 
the  whites  to  be  valuable  in  profuse  menstruation,  whites, 
gleet  and  obstinate  diarrhce;  also,  bleeding  arid  hemorrha- 
ges of  all  kinds.  I  have  never  tried  it  any  other  way  than 
to  stop  bleeding  from  a  wound,  but  its  promptness  and  ac- 
tivity, in  checking  the  flow  of  blood  from  an  artery,  indu- 
ces us  to  believe,  thai  when  properly  tried,  i|  will  proy;e  a 
valuable  medicine  in  the  class  of  astringents. 


WATER  PLANTAIN.— QLUsrna  Plantago.)      , 

This  Plantain  is  found  growing  mostly  in  wet  soil,  or  in 
the  margin  of  stagnant  waters.  The, root  remains  through 
the  winter — (perennial.)  Its  leaves  are  qf  a  light  green 
color,  and  very  much  resemble  tjb.e  common,  plantain. 

A  decoction  of  the  root  is  "valuable  in  all  bowel,,, com- 
plaints, after  a  gentle  purge  has-been  taken;  to  cleanse  the 
stomach  and  bowels.  But  the  most  important  use  made 
of  this  root  is,  as  an  external  ^application  to  old  sores, 
wounds,  bruises,  swellings,  &c.  The  roots  should  be 
washed  clean  and  then  , boiled  until  soft,  mashed  up  and 
applied  in  the  form  of  a  poultice;  the  affected  part  should 
be  bathed  in  a  decoction,  of  the  root,  before  the  poultice  is 
applied.  This  treatment  will  seldom  fail  in  reduqing  in- 
flammation, and  preventing  mortification.  It  is  a  most  ex- 
cellent application  to  old,  foul,  and  ill  conditioned  ulcers, 
cleansing  them  and  disposing  them  to  heal. 

YARROW*—  (AcMlla  Millefolium.) 

Yarrow,  both,  grows  wild  and  is  cultivated  in  gardens;  it 
i-5  so  well  known  as  to  render  a  description  needless.  The 
leaves  are  the  part  used;  they, are  astringent,  and  will  bo 
found  good  taken  in  decoction,  in  gill  doses,  four  or  five 
times  a  day  for  hemorrhages,  such  as  spitting  blood,  bloody 
piles,  bloody  urine,  immoderate. flow  of  the  menses.  Also 
good  for  bowel  complaints,  and  a  weak  relaxed  state  of 
ihe  svstem. 


CINQUEFOIL.— {Commonly  called  sinkficld.) 

This  vine  grows„;in  old  fields  and  fence  corners,  and  is 
something  similar  to  the  strawberry.     Each  stalk  bears  _ 


IXD1AN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  239 

five  leaves,  hence  it  is  sometimes  called  five  finger;  its  blos- 
soms are  yellow.  The  root  is  astringent,  and  may  be 
boiled  in  water  or  new  milk,  about  a  handful  to  a  quart; 
this  decoction  is  good  in  fevers  and  acute  diseases  when 
there  is  great  debility;  also  in  dysentery  and  bowel  com- 
plaints generally,  it  sometimes  proves  beneficial,  W  pro- 
fuse menstruation. 


SKERVISH,  FROST-ROOT. 
{Erigeron  Philadelphicam. ... 

Frost-weed  is  found  in  great  abundance  in  the  United 
States;  it  generally  grows  in  fields,  which  it  sometimes  en- 
tirely overruns— it  is  seldom  found  in  the'  woods.  The 
root  is  yellowish,  composed  of  many  branching  fibres;  the 
stem  rises  from  one  to  three  feet  high,  branched  near  the 
top;  the  leaves  are  oblong,  largest  hearthe  ground,  becom- 
ing smaller  as  they  ascend' the  stalk  or  stenj  :  the  flowers 
are  numerous,  of  a  yellowish:,  white,  sometimes  of  a  pur- 
plish blue,  and  of  a  downy  appearance.  This  plant  con- 
tinues in  bloom  until  the  autumnal  frosts,  from  which  cir- 
cumstance it  has  derived  one  of  its  names,  Frost- weed. 

The  principal  use  made  by  us  of  this  plant,  is  for  gravel, 
and  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs,  but  for  the  further  in- 
formation of  the  reader,  f  give  the  following,  which  is  ta- 
ken from  the  writings  of  different  physicians  among  the 
whites: 

"This  plant  is  astringent,  diurretic,  and  sudorific  in  a 
high  degree:  there  .are  several  species  of  this  :  valuable 
plant  possessing  the  same  medical  properties,  and  indis- 
criminately used;  though  distinguished  bv  their  botanical 
or  technical  names,  but  not  by  their  common.  The  med- 
ical powers  of  these  plants  are  very  active,  and  require 
cautious  use.  They  may  be  employed  fresh  or  dry,  in  de- 
coction, infusion,  tincture,  extract,  or  oil:— the  oil"  is  con- 
sidered one  of  the  best  styptics  in  medicine.  The  diseases 
said  to  be  relieved  by  this  article,  are  dropsy,  suppression 
of  the  urine,  inflammation  of  the  kidneys',  gravel,  gout, 
suppressed  menstruation,  coughs,  hemorrhages,  dimness 
of  sight,"  &c. 

1  cannot  say  from  personal  experience  that  this  article 
is  an  infallible  remedy  for  all  the  above  complaint;  but 
1  do  believe  %m  personal  experience,  that  its  active  prop. 


■ 


240  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

erties  as  a   medicine,  render  it.  worthy  the  further  at- 
tention of  those  engaged  in  the  healing  art. 


[tsu-kir-tah-lowl-tee.] 
CAT-PAW,  OR  POLE  CAT  BUSH.     * 

This  hush  or  tree,  is  found  growing  on  water  courses, 
such  as  rivers  and  large  creeks;  it  grows  to  about  the  size 
of  a  common  peach  tree;  the  bark  is  ofan  ash  color,  varie- 
gated with  dark  spots :  it  bears  a  white  bloom,  which  is 
succeeded  by  a  three,  and  sometimes  a  four  square  pod. — 
The  bark  has  a  very  bitter  taste,  and  an  offensive  smell. 
It  is  called  by  some  cotton- wood,  by  others  whitewood;  it 
is  easily  known  by  the  pod: — the  bark  is  the  part  used. 

It  is  tonic,  astringent,  antiseptic  and  expectorant.  Ta- 
ken in  bitters,  it  is  good  for  breast  complaints,  spitting 
blood,  &c.  Boiled  to  a  strong  decoction  and  made  into  a 
poultice  with  rye  meal  or  wheat  bran,  it  forms  the  best  ap- 
plication in  my  knowledge  for  white  swelling  in  the  first 
or  forming  stage. 


RASPBERRY. 

There  are  several  species  of  the  raspberry,  all  good  for 
medical  purposes.  We  have  been  in  the  habit  of  using  the 
common  black  raspberry,  but  white  practitioners  prefer 
the  red  raspberry: — the  leaves  are  the  part  nsed,  and  are 
highly  astringent.  A  decoction  of  them  is  good  for  bowel 
complaint;  it  is  an  excellent  wash  for  old  and  foul  sores  or 
ulcers.  A  strong  tea  .of  the  red  raspberry  leaves  is  said  by 
the  whites,  to  be  a  most  valuable  article  in  regulating  the 
pains  of  women  at  or  near  the  period  of  child-birth. 

[e-tsog-c.-ui-nt  coh-ler.] 
BAMBOO-BRIER. 

This  brier  grows  in  most  parts  of  America:  it  has  a  small 
long  vine,  full  of  very  sharp  spines,  the  vine  and  leaves  are 
an  ever  green,  it  bears  small  dark  berries,  which  in  the 
latter  part  of  the  fall  bear  a  strong  resemblance  to  the 
winter  grape. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  241 

The  bark  of  the  root  of  this  brier  is  astringent  and  slight- 
ly tonic.  It  is  valuable  in  the  treatment  of  pox,  when 
combined  with  other  articles,  as  is  fully  shown  in  the  treat- 
ment of  this  disease.  A  decoction  of  the  leaves  is  an  ex- 
cellent wash  for  scalds,  burns,  and  other  foul  sores:  a  salve 
made  by  stewing  the  leaves,  or  bark  of  the  root  in  hog's 
lard  with  a  little  beeswak  is  good  for  burns,  scalds  and 
other  sores. 


[a-le-skah-lah.] 
R  E  D-R  O  O  T. 

This  valuable  herb  grows  in  great  abundance  in  every 
part  of  the  Union  with  which  I  am  acquainted.  It  grows 
most  abundant  in  uplands  which  are  tolerably  thin,  and 
inclined  to  be  shady,  and  in  such  lands  as  produce  pine 
and  hickory,  in  the  Middle  and  Southern  States;  but  it  grow* 
in  great  plenty  north  of  the  Ohio  river  where  there  is  no 
pine.  Its  roots  are  long  and  large,  covered  with  a  hard 
rough,  red  bark,  the  whole  root,  is  of  a  hard  woody  nature' 
1  he  top  or  stem  grows  from  one  to  two  feet  hio-h  much 
branched  and  crowned  with  numerous  leaves;  itsVlossoms 
are  white,  and  appear  in  June  and  July. 

The  root  is  the  part  used,  and  is  a  valuable  astringent 
A  strong  decoction  of  the  red-root  is  my  choice  wash  for 
cancer;  it  also  forms  an  ingredient  in  the  decoction  for 
venereal,  as  is  fully  shown  in  the  treatment  of  that  com- 
plaint. It  is  excellent  in  decoction  for  old  bowel  com- 
plaints spitting  blood,; flooding,  bloody  piles,  &c.  It  is  al- 
so good  for  sore  mouth  and  sore  throat,  in  decoction  swee- 
tened. 


[Oo-LI-NER.] 

HORN-BEAN--IRON  WOOD. 

The  Iron-wood  is  a  very  common  growth  in  most  parts 
of  the  Union,  and  is  so  well  known,  that  any  particular 
description  would  be  needless;  it  grows  to  about  the  size 
of  the  dog-wood. 

The  inner  bark  is  astringent,  and  forms  an  ingredient  in 
the  decoction  for  flux. 
O 


2*3  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  , 

[TsE-NO-SCAH.] 

ALUM-  ROOT---  (Heuchera  Americana.) 

This  little  and  useful  plant  is  found  growing  in  most 
parts  of  the  United  States,  generally  in  the  woods  or  for- 
'  est,  seldom  in  cultivated  lands.  The  stem  grows  from  three 
to  six  inches  high,  of  a  greyish  color.  The  root  is  short, 
and  bears  some  resemblance  to  puccoon  root,  not  so 
long,  and  more  of  a  brownish  cast,  rough  and  wrinkl)'. 

The  root  is  the  part  used,  it  is  very  astringent,  taken 
in  decoction,  or  in  spirits  as  bitters;  it  is  very  good  for  old 
bowel  complaints  ;  in:  decoction,  it  is  good  for  immode- 
rate flows  of  the  menses;  piles,  and  hermorrhages  in  gen- 
eral; the  pulverized  root  applied  as  powders  is  a  most  ex- 
cellent application  to  malignant  ulcers;  the  decoction 
made  into  syrup  with  honey  is  good  for  thrush  and  o- 
thersore  mouths.  It  acts  powerfully,  as  an  astringent 
tonic,  and  taken  in  spirits  of  a  morning  on  a  fasting  stom- 
ach, adding  a  dram  before  dinner  and  supper,  it  has  done 
wonders  in  curing  dysenteries,  after  the  remedies  pres- 
cribed by  skilful  physicians  had  failed. 

WHITE    HICKORY. 

The  inner  bark  of  this  tree  is  a  good  astringent  and  de- 
tergent, boiled  until  the  strength  is  extracted,  and  the  de- 
coction reduced  over  a  slow  fire,  to  the  consistence  of  mo- 
lasses, is  one  of  the  best  dressings  for  a  cut,  (which  is  not 
too  much  inflamed)  in  the  world.  When  they  are  ruptur- 
ed or  cut  blood  vessels,  it  will,  in  most  instances,  stop  the 
bleeding,  cleanse  and  heal  the  wound.  It  should  be  kept 
in  readiness  by  every  family;  this  may  easily  be  done,  by 
adding  to  the  syrup,  a  little  brandy  or  proof  spirits ;  it 
should  be  applied  by  dipping  lint  in  the  syrup,  and  bind- 
ing it  to  the  wound. 


KNO  T   R  O  O.T. 

Knot  root  has  a\  large,  woody  root,  with  small  roots  or 
fibres  issuing  from  the  caudex  or  head.  The  stalk  and 
cane  bear  some  resemblance  to  the  rattle  weed.  It  puts 
uo  an  erect  stem,  which  bears  on  the  top  a  beautiful  tassel 
of  white  flowers. 

The  root  is  the  part  used,  and  is  very  astringent,  reduced 


INDIAN  .GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  24S 

to  a  very  fine  powder,  it  is  an  excellent  article  to  remove 
proud  and  fungous  flesh. 


£TsU-VVAH-TO-HAH.] 

GREEN*  SWITCH— YELLOW  ROOT. 

This  bush  grows  on  the  banks  of  streams.  The  root  is 
yellow;  stem  rises  from  three  to  six  feet  high,  smooth, slim, 
of  a  beautiful  green  color ;  it  is  evergreen  and  in  the  spring 
pnts  forth  many  greenish  blossoms — leaves  painted,  and 
slightly  indented.  It  is  an  astringent  and  tonic;  a  tea  or 
decoction  of  the  root  is  good  for  the  piles.  The  ashes 
burnt  from  the  green  switch  is  an  excellent  application  to 
cancer. 


€I>A§§  I¥oi--YI. 

SUDORIFIGS  AND   DIAPHORETICS. 

Diaphoretics  and  Sudorifica  are  medicines  that  promote 
prespiration,  strengthen  the  living. power,  and  give  fine- 
ness to  the  musculai  fibres. 

Sudorifics  are  such  as  produce  copious  sweating. 

Diaphoretics  are  such  as  produce  only  gentle  perspira- 
tion or  moisture  of  the  skin,  but  they  will  both  be  placed 
in  one  class.. 


[OOYER-LEG.] 

SENEKA  SNAKE  ROOT—  {Polygola  Senega.) 

The  stalk  of  this  plant  .grows  about 'a  foot  high,  upright 
and  branched;  its  leaves  are  somewhat  oval  and  pointed; 
flowers  white;  the  root  is  variously  bent  and  twisted,  rough 
and  of  a  jointy  appearance,  thought  to  bear  some  resem- 
blance to  the  tail  of  a  rattle  snake;  hence  it  is  sometimes 
called  rattlesnake  root  ;.seyeraJ  opinions  have  been  given. 


-  214  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH, 

as  to  how  it  first  received  the  name,  seheka  snake  root. — - 
Some  say,  it  was  called,  for  the  tribe  of  Indians  who  first 
used  it,  as  medicine;  others  that  it  obtained  its  name  from 
its  efficacy,  in  the  cure  of  the  bite  of -the  snake. 

The  difleremVtribes  of  Indians  have  long  ascribed  to  this 
root  medical  proprieties  of  the  most  active  and  important 
kind ;  it  is  thought  by  them  equal,  if  it  does  not  surpass  any 
root  in  the  American  forest,  for  its  various  and  useful  ef- 
fects on  the  human  system,  as  a  medicine.  This  opin- 
ion has  been  sustained  by  many  respectable  physicians  a- 
mongthe  whites  at  Percival,  Miilman,  Chapman,  Tenant, 
Archer  and  others.  It  is  sudorific;  diuretic,  emmenagogue 
and  cathartic. 

It  is  certainly  one  of  the  most  valuable  remedies  in  the 
world  for  obstructed  menses.  It  may  be  taken  in  decoc- 
tion or  combined  with  other  articles,  and  used  as  bitters — 
if  when  taken  in  decoction,  it  should  produce  sickness  or 
vomiting  which  is  sometimes  the  case,  when  the  stomach 
is  weak  and  irritable — add  to  the  decoction,  a  little  an- 
gellica,  calimus  or  ginger. 

It  is  good  in  colds,  pleurisy,  acute  rheumatism,  and  in- 
fiamatcry  complaints.  In  all  dropsical  swellings,  it  is  an 
excellent  article,  as  it  increases  the  tone  and  strength  of 
the  urinary  organs,  while  at  the  ame  time,  its  laxative 
properties  keep  the  bowels  in  a  proper  state. 

For  colds,  croup,  and  menstrual  obstructions,  it  should 
be  taken  in  moderate  doses,  often  repeated,  until  the  de- 
sired effect  is  produced.  It  may  be  given  with  safety  and 
advantage  in  all  cases,  where  a  sweat  is  required,  after 
the  stomach  and  bowels  are  prepared  for  it,  except  to 
females  in  a  state  of  pregnancy,  in  this  case,  it  should  nev- 
er be  used,  on  such  as  are  subject  to  immoderate  flow  of 
the  menses. 

This  root  forms  an  ingredient  in  Dr.  Wright's  famous 
beer  for  consumption.     We  use  it  in  the  Chalybeate  pill. 

The  root  should  be  pounded  or  pulverized,  as  it  is  very 
slow  to  yield  its  strength. 

Much  has  been  written  with  regard  to  its  virtue  in  the 
cure  of  the  bite  of  the  snake;  we  have  never  used  it  for 
this  purpose,  believing  that  the  remedies  prescribed  for  the 
treatment  of  animal  poisons  are  superior  to  this  root,  but 
should  a  case  occur  where  this  root  was  at  hand,  and  the 
remedies  prescribed  under  that  head  could  not  be  obtained, 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  Mi 

we  would  give-,  it  a  fair  trial;  the  mode  of  using  it  is  inter- 
nally in;tea  or  decoction,  and  externally,  to  the  wound 


[Oo-TAII-XER-CAH-NE-aUAH-LE-SKEE.]- 

INDIAN  CUP-PLANT. 

This  plant  has  a  large,  long,  crooked  perennial  root, 
and  forms  a  joint  where  the  old  stalk  grew,  which  leaves 
a, hole  in  the  root  where  it  decays,  aad  from  ;each  of  these 
joints  issue  fibers.  The  stalk  is  square,  with  the  sides  con- 
cave, which  makes  the  corners  very  sharp,  and  grows  from 
six  to  eight  feet  high — leaves  are  very  large,  grow  oppo- 
site and  are  indented  on  the  edges  with  large  deep  teeth, 
they  are  united  at  the  stalk  or  base  with  the  edges  so 
raised  as  to  form  a  cup,  which  would  contain  a  spoonful 
or  two  of  water,  and  found  growing  mostly  in  rich  bottom 
lands. 

The  root  is  the  part  used,  and  requires  long  steeping  to 
extract  the  strength.  It  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  arti- 
cles in  the  Indian  Materia  Medica  to  promote  perspiration 
and  give  vigor  to  the  living  power;  it  is  tonic,  and  is  an  ex- 
cellent remedy  for  weakness,  inward  bruises,  &c.  For 
ague  and  fever  and  bilious  fevers  in  the  last  stages  where 
tonics  are  needed  there  is  nothing  better.  It  is  the  most 
efficient  medicine  in  our  knowledge  to  dissolve  and  carrv 
off  ague-cakes.  v*. 


"&' 


[cOH-WAH-SUR-GEE-SU-SLE.] 

PENN YRO YA  L. — (Hedeoma  Pulegiorides.) 

This  plant  growfl  in  great  abundance  in  every  part  of 
the  country,  and  is  so  well  known  that/I  need  not  describe 
it.  A  decoction  of  this  plant  is  a  warm  stimulant  and  di- 
aphoretic. It  is  expectorant,  the  expressed  juice  sweeten- 
ed with  Honey  or  sugar  is  useful  in  colds,  coughs,  particu- 
larly whooping  cougb.  The  tea  drank  freely  just  before 
going  to  bed  is  a  valuable  article  for  obstructed  menses, 
its  uSe  should  be  continued  until  relief  is  obtained.  Pen- 
nyroyal tea  is  often  used  to  advantage  as  a  drink,  in  pro- 
moting the  operation  of  emetics.  A  free  use  ot  the  de- 
coction at  the  commencement  of  fever,  will  often  throw  it 
off  and  give  entire  relief.  The  essence  of  Pennyroyal  is 
valuable  in  all  cases  in  which  I  have  recommended  the 
dego$tion  or  tea. 


&46  INDIAN  GUID^  TO  HEALTH. 

The  herb  should  be  gathered  just  before,  of  about  the 

time  it  blooms,  tied  up  in  small  bunches  or  bundles  arid 

hung  up  where  it  will  keep  dry;  it  makes  one  of  the  most 

>    pleasant  and  useful  teas  in  common  light  family  sickness 

with  which  I  am  acquainted. 

[tfA-TAH-TLAP.] 

SPICEWOOD.— (Lauras  Benzoin.} 

The  Spicewood  is  found  in  most  parts  of  America,  and 
is  so  generally  and  so  well  known,  as  not  to  need  a  des- 
cription.     It   is   generally  found   in   rich,  uncultivated., 
■     marshy  places,  about  the  edges  of  branches  and  ponds. ' 

A  decoction  of  the  'twigs,  bark  or  root  is  a  good  diapho- 
retic, and  may  be  used  to  advantage  in  colds, .-coughs,, 
phthisics,  croup,  &c,  taken  in  gill  or  half  pint  doses,  eve- 
Wy  hour  or  two,  it  is  good  in?  female  obstructions;  in  this* 
case  it  should  be  taken  occasionally  as  much  as  the  stom- 
ach will  bear,  and  the  feet  bathed  ongoing  to  bed.  A 
strong  decoction  of  the  bark  or  root  sweetened  to  syrup 
and  given  to  a  children  the  first  symptoms  of  croup  will 
generally  give  speedy  relief.  The  berries  boiled  in  bark 
is  good  for  dysentery  and  bowel  complaints  and  it  some 
limes  expels  worms.  But  all  has  not  been  told  yet  about 
this  useful  shrub;  it  is  a  most  valuable  article  in  the  treat- 
ment of  white-swelling,  although  the  whites  think  them- 
selves perfectly  acquainted  with  the  medical  properties  of 
this  bush,  yet  they  appear  entirely  ignorant  of  this  impor- 
tant medical  virtue;  for  the  manner  of  using  it  in  white- 
swelling,  refer  to  the  treatment  of  that  disease. 


[oO-LE-LAH-STEE.] 

RATTLE- WEED.— (Botrophis  Serpentarjf..) 

This  berb  is  called  by  different  names,  such  as  squaw- 
root,  squaw-weed,  &c;  it  is  found  in  every  part  of  the  Un- 
ion, growing  mostly  on  the  sides  of '•  rich  hills,  and  moun- 
tains, also  in  rich  bottom  wood-lands.  The  most  common 
name  in  the  western  country  is  squaw-root,  I  believe,  and 
is  said  to  derive  it  from  the  extensive  use  the  Americans 
saw  the  Indian  women  make  of  it  in  the  settling  of  Amer- 
ica. The  stalks  grow  from  two  to  six  feet  high,  nearly 
round,  smooth,  and  branched  at  top;  it  bears  a  kind  of  tas- 


Indian  guide  to  heatth.        247 

sel  or  bunch  of  berries*  which  when  ripe  on  being  shock, 
makes  a  dry  shattering  noise,  and  from  this  fact  it  is  called 
rattle-weed.  ■;*?, 

The  root  is  the  part  used,  it  is  sudorific,  tqnic,  diuretic, 
anodyne,  emmenagogue,  and  slightly  astringent.  It  may 
be  given  either  in  powders,  decoction  or  tincture.  In  de- 
coction it  is.  valuable  for  colds,  and  female  obstruction?, 
when  the  obstruction  is  of.  long  standing,  and  the  general 
health  impaired  by  it,  this  root  should  be  used  in  tincture 
or  bitters,  and  may  be  advantageously  combined  with  oth- 
er articles.  It  is  valuable  in  coughs  and  consumptions. 
Obstinate  bowel  complaints  have  been  speedily  relieved 
by  drinking  a  decoction  of  this  root.  It  may  be  used  iti 
bitters,  combined  with  spikenard,  in  the  latter  stages  of 
pregnancy  to  great  advantage,  but  its  use  should  not  be 
commenced  before  the  end  of  the  seventh  month.  It  is  an 
excellent  article  in  the  treatment  of  rheumatism,  in  acute 
or  inflammatory  rheumatism  it  should  be  taken  in  decoc- 
tion; for  chronic  rheumatism  in  tincture  or  bitters  it  is 
much  the  best. 


[LE-SaUAW-CLA.]      - 

HEART     LEAVES. 

The  top,  root  and  blossoms  of  this  well  known  plant  all 
possess  medical  virtues.  A  tea  of  the  leaves,  roots  or 
blossoms,  taken  a  pint  morning,  noon  and  night,  is  useful 
to  relieve  hysterical  or  nervous  debility,  and  strengthen 
women  of  sexual  wea'kness.  This  tea  is  excellent  for  girls 
whose  periodical  evacuations  are  not  regularly  establish- 
ed, and  for  women  whose  courses  are  about  to  leave  them 
from  their  age,  according  to  the  laws  of  nature. 

The  strong  tea  taken  in  large  quantities  and  as  often  as 
the  stomach  will  bear  is  good  in  typhus  fever,  and  chronic 
cases  of  ague  and  fever,  it  should  be  commenced  just  be- 
fore the  chill  is  expected,  and  continued  until  perspiration 
or  sweating  is  produced.  Its  diaphoretic  property  renders 
it  valuable  in  colds,  coughs,  and  in  fact  all  cases -where 
diaphoretics  are  needed.  A  valuable  salve  is  made  by 
bruising  the  root  and  stewing' it  in  mutton  or  deer  suet. 
The  whole  herb  has  a.  bitter,  aromatic  taste,  not  very  dis- 
agreeable, and  quite  a  pleasant  smell. 


213  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

SHELL-BARK  HICKORY. 

_  The  Shell-bark  Hickory  is  found  in  most  parts  of  the^ 
United  States,  growing  in  strong,  good  soil. 

The  ross  or  outside  bark  of  this  tree  makes  one  of  the 
best  diaphoretic  teas  or  sweating  medicines  that  we  have. 
A  decoction  of  the  outside  bark,  not  only  acts  as  a  sweat- 
ing medicine,  but  is  also  good  to  correct  the  bile,  and  in- 
vigorate the  stomach.  Taken  in  very  large  doses  it  will 
operate  as  an  emetic. 

It  is  excellent  to  remove  cold  and  female  obstructions, 
and  may  be  advantageously  employed  in  any  cases  where 
a  sweating  medicine  is  needed.         "" Vi> 


PEPPERMINT.— (Munthea  Piperita..) 

Peppermint  is  a  perennial  plant,  and  is  cultivated  in  most 
gardens;  it  is  also  found  in  many  places  in  low,  wet  lands,. 
and  is  the  strongest  of  all  mints.  It  is  said  that  the  roots  of 
the  peppermint  should  be  transplanted  every  three  years, 
or  it  will  degenerate  into  the  flavor  of  spearmint. 

Peppermint  is  a  wrarm  stimulant  to  the  stomach,  and 
through  that  medium  to  the  rest  of  the  bodjr.  A  tea  of  it 
drank  copiously  promotes  perspiration,  and  is  useful  to 
check  vomiting,  relieve  hysterics,  and  remove  sickness  at 
the  stomach.  The  essence  of  peppermint  ranks  among 
the  best  medicines  in  the  world  for  expelling  wind  from 
the  stomach;  it  is  beneficialin  allaying  spasmodic  affec- 
tions of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  dispelling  flatulence  or 
wind,  and  in  removing  all  colicy  pains.  It  will  often  re- 
lieve cramp,  which  sometimes  takes  place  during  the  ope- 
ration of  an  emetic.  A  few  drops  taken  in  spirits  or  water 
is  very  good  to  remove  feeble  feelings  of  a  morning.  Smell- 
ing it  and  wetting  the  temples  with  it  will  often  relieve 
nervous  head-ache.  The  green  leaves  infused  in  spirits  or 
water,  and  applied  to  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  and  over  the 
belly,  will  aid  in  checking  vomiting,  and  in  relieving  spas- 
modic affections  of  the  stomach  and  bowel's. 


SPEARMINT. 

Spearmint  grows  in  great  abundance  in  most  parts  of 
America,  on  the  banks  of  streams  and  in  wet  lands.  It  has 
a  strong  aromatic  smell,  and  a  warm,  rough;  hitter  taste= 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  249 

It  possesses  properties  similar  to  those  of  the  peppermint, 
but  in  a  smaller  degree.  It  may  be  used  in  decoction,  oi'l 
or  essence.  The  roots  of  the  spearmint  or  peppermint, 
boiled  to  a  strong  tea  and  sweetened  with  loaf  sugar  is  an 
excellent  remedy  for  puking  and  purging  in  infants — (call- 
ed cholera  infantum.) 

The  spearmint  is  said  by  some  to  be  an  efficacious  reme- 
dy for  suppression  of  urine,  gravelly  affections,  &c;  it  is 
prepared  by  bruising  the  green  herb  and  adding  enough 
of  the  fourth  proof  Holland  gin  to  make  a  saturated  tinc- 
ture— dose,  a  wine  glassful  taken  as  often  as  the  patient 
can  bear  it.  It  is  also  said  thaticotton  wet  with  this  tinc- 
ture and  applied  to  the  fundament,  will  give  immediate 
relief  in  case  of  the  piles.  I  have  never  tried  it  myself, 
but  have  mentioned  it  here,  in  order  that  those  who  wish 
to  try  the  remedy  can  do  so. 


[sUN-THEY-E-YOU-STEE.] 

MOUNTAIN   DITTANY.. 

This  useful  herb  is  found  in  most  parts  of  the  United 
States,  growing  amongst  rocks  on  hills  and  mountains.  It 
has  a  yellow,  fibrous,  perennial  root,  and  a  smooth  slender, 
brittle  stem,  growing  from  six  to  twelve  inches  high,  much 
branched  at  top,  branches  nearly  opposite.  Lsaves  are 
small,  smooth  and  opposite,  the  upper  surface  of  a  deep 
green,  and  the  under  surface  of  a  bluish  green.  Its  flow- 
ers are  numerous,  small,  of  a  pink  white  or  a  bluish  pur- 
ple, growing  in  terminal  clusters. 

The  whole  plant*  has  a  warm  fragrant,  aromatic,  pun- 
gent smell  and  taste;  and  may  be  used  in  a  warm  infusion 
or  tea  advantageously  in  colds,  head-aches,  fevers,  and  in 
all  cases  in  which  perspiration  is  to  be  excited.  Moun- 
tain Dittany  is  sudorific,  tonic,  stimulant  and  nervous,  and 
may  be  used  1o  advantage  in  all  cases  that  require  the 
use  of  such  articles.  It  is  very  good,  for  snake  bite;  in 
this  case  the  tea  should  be  drank  freely,  and  the  bruised 
leaves  applied  externally  to  the  wound.  A  strong  tea  of 
this  herb  is  valuable  in  increasing  labor  pains,  and;.facili- 
tating  child-birth. 


250  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO~HEALTH. 

WINTER    CLOVER,    ONE    BERRY,    PARTRIDGE 

BERRY. 

This  is  a  small  evergreen  vine,  lying  close  to  the  ground. 
It  is  mostly  found  in  shady  woods,  often  growing  in  beds 
or  mats.  Its  leaves  are  small  an$  round  and  grow  out  in 
pairs,  the  flowers  grow  out  in  pairs  also,  they  are  white 
and  downy  within,  succeeded  by  light  scarlet  red  berries. 
By  the  whites  it  is  sometimes  called  Squaw  vine.from  their 
having  seen  the  indian  women  make  much  use  of  it. 

The  most  common  mode  of  taking  it  is  in  decoction, 
made  by  boiling  it  in  new  milk  It  is  diaphoretic,  or  pro- 
duces sweating;  as  a  diuretic  it  increases  the  discharge 
of  urine;  it  is  also  slightly  astringent  and  may  be  used  to 
advantage  in  dysentery,  piles,  &c.  The  decoction  taken 
freely  is  ah  excellent  article  to  facilitate^  child-birth, 
it  should  be  used  daily  for  two  or  three  weeks  beiore  that 
period. 


[tah-to-ne-ga-ah-tse-fjus-skee.] 
BLACK  DITTANY. 

This  herb  is  found  mostly  on  dry  stony  ridges  and  hills, 
stem  round,  being  much  branched  and  growing  from  one 
to  two  and  a  half  feet  high,  leaves  are  opposite,  hairy  and 
indented  with  unequal  teeth  so  as  to  give  it  a  very  ragged 
appearance,  the  branches  come  out  first  above  the  leaves. 
It  flowers  in  the  latter  part  of  summer  and  beginning  of 
autumn,  the  flowers  are  tubular  yellow  on  the  outside, 
with  a  bright  red  spot  Within,  (he whole  plant  has  a  rough, 
downy  appearance,  and  when  pressed  by  the  hand  it  ap- 
pears to  be  covered  with  a  kind  of  rosin  or  sticky  suj> 
stance,  it  has  but  little  smell  or  .taste. 

The  leaves  and  branches  are  the  parts  used  in  decoc- 
tion, it  is  a;  valuable  diaphoretic,  and  may  be  used  to  ad- 
vantage in  all  cases. "whiaji  require  sweating  medicines. 
It  is  one  of  the  best  articles  in  the  world  for  child-bed  fe- 
vers, when  trie  stomach  and  bowels  are  prepared  for  dia- 
phoretics or  sweating  jmedicines.  It  is  good  in  colds, 
coughs,  and  most  fight  family  sickness.  It  increases  the 
urine  gently,  also  tlie  menstrual  discharges  in  females. 


INDIAN  GUIDE' TO  HEALTH.  251 

LONG-ROOT. 

This  root  is  perennial,  large,  branched — sending  off  fi- 
bers. The  root  has  pits  or  scars  remaining  on  it  where  the 
old  stem  grew;  stem  round,  smooth  and  shining,  growing 
from  two  to  three  feet  high — several' from  one  root — 
generally  found  growing  in  rich  uplands  or  bottoms. 

The  root  is  the  part  used;  in  a  strong  tea  or  decoction, 
it  produces  sweating — good  in  colds  and  obstructions.  It 
is  an  excellent  anodyne,  and  may  be  used  to  advantage  in 
pleurisy  and  sharp  darting  pains;  but  in  spirits  it  makes 
an  excellent  tonic  bitter,  useful  in  all  cases  where  a  bitter 
tonic  is  required.  The  tea  sweetened  is  given  to  infants 
to  relieve  pain  and  produce  sleep. 


[oh-tse-nah.] 
CEDAR 


This  is  a  beautiful  and  well  known  tree,  growing  in 
inost  parts  of  the  Union,  particularly  in  the  Middle  South- 
ern and  Western  States,  and  is  too  well  known  to  require 
a  description.  It  is  a  diaphoretic.  A  tmi  made  of  the 
leaves  and  twigs  taken  internally,  at  the  same  time  sto- 
ving  over  the  tops,  is  good  for  cold,  'female  obstructious 
and  measles.  The  berries  boiled  in  sweet-milk  will  ottt't; 
expel  worms.  A  very  good  ointment  for  itch  and  other 
cutaneous  diseases,  may  be  made  by  stewing  the  leaves 
and  berries  in  sheep  or djeer's  tallow,  or  hogs  lard.  But 
the  most  valuable  mexlical  property  of  this  ornament  ot 
our  forest  has  not  yerbeen  told.  The  oil  of  the.  tree  is 
far  the  most  useful  part  for  medical  purposes,  and  as  an 
external  application  ranks  amongst  the  best  remedies  for 
White  Swelling,  Rheumatism,  and  pains  generally.  It,  is 
also  good  to  drive  back  healings,  and  for  diseases  of  the 
skin,  such  as  ring-worm,  tetter-worm,  itch,  scald-head, 
&c.  For  the  manner  of  applying  it  in  White  Swelling 
and  Rheumatism,  look  at  the  treatment  of  these  diseases. 
The  oil  is  obtained  by  filling'  a  large  pot  with  dry  cedar 
finely  split,  and  placing  its  rrfouth  downwards  on  a  rock; 
next  exclude  the  air  by  means  of  mortar  around  the  month 
of  the  pot,  leaving  a  place  at  the  lower  side  for  the  oil  to 
run  out  at,  then  build  a  large^fire  on  the  pot.  The  oil  may 
be  used  when  fresh  andaftef1  itvhas  become  old  with  equal 


2.32  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

success,  if  it  is  kept  well  corked.     It  should  be  kept  in 
glass  bottles,  or   in  well   glazed  earthen  jugs,  as  it  will 
readily  penetrate  wood.     This  oil  put  into  the  hollow  of 
an  aching  tooth,  will  generally  give  relief  in  a  short  time. 


[  Ah-tah-ne-see-ne-to-ha.  ] 
PENNYWORTH. 


This  is  a  well  known  vine;  it  has  a  roundish  leaf,  inclin- 
ed to  be  rough  or  hairy.  It  is  diaphoretic.  Good  in  colds 
and  coughs:  it  is  also  good  for  children  that  are  troubled 
with  colic  arising  from  cold.  Either  the  green  or  dried 
leaves  made  into  a  tea  is  the  form  of  using  it. 


[tah-o-ne-ga-ah-tse-luh-skee.] 
GOLDEN  ROD. 

Golden  Rod  is  found  in  most  parts  of  the  U.  S.  with  which 
I  am  acquainted,  and  is  too  well  known  to  require  a  par- 
ticular description.  It  grows  from  one  and  a  half  to  two 
and  a  half  feet  high;  they  a,re  long,  narrow,  of  a  deep  green 
color,  flowers  numerous,  small  and  yellow.  The  whole 
plant  has  a  pleasant  aromatic  smell  and  taste.  Taken  in 
tea  or  infusion, .it  ia^rood  for  colds,  coughs,  &c,  owing  to 
its  diaphoretic?  or  sweating  property:  it  is  also  tonic,  stim- 
ulant and  nervine,  valuable  in  measles,  fevers,  and  female 
obstructions. 


[Oo-CAH-LO-KA-aUAK-AH-MY-QUAH.] 

WATER  BIG  LEAF. 


jThis  plant  is  generally  found  in  creeks,  though  sometimes 
in  spring  branches.  The  root  is  large,  from  two  to  four 
feet  in  length,  with  small  or  fibrous  roots  issuing  from  the 
main  root :  Generally  two  leaves  grow  up  from  one  root; 
they  always  grow  to  the  surface  of  the  water,  where  they 
lie  flat;  they  are  large,  roundish,  fleshy,  and  of  a  dark 
green  color.  The  root  is  the  part  used  for  medical  pur- 
poses; it  is  diaphoretic,  diuretic  and  antiseptic.  A  tea  or 
decoction  of  this  root,  is  a  certain  remedy  for  that  dreadful 
disease  Small  Pox. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  253 

CLASS  ftT©.  VII. 


DIURETICS 


Diuretics  are  a  class  of  medicines  which  are  employed 
to  produce  an  increased  discharge  of  urine.  They  are 
valuable  in  all  disorders  of  the  urinary  organs  which  pre- 
vent the  secretion  of  the  proper  quantity  of  urine. 


[sun-ste.] 
HORSE-MINT. 

This  plant  is  found  growing  almost  everywhere,  and  is 
well  known  by  almost  every  body.: — there  are  several 
kinds,  all  possessing  the  same  medical  properties. 

The  leaves  and  top  are  the  parts  used.  A  decoction  of 
the  Horse-Mint,  midling  strong,  is  excellent  for  weak  bow- 
els and  stomach;  it  is  diuretic,  producing  a  free  and  easy 
discharge  of  urine  in  a  short  time  after  drinking  it.  As  a 
diaphoretic,  it  is  good  to  promote  perspiration,  which 
means  sweating,  giving  relief  in  colds  and  female  obstruc- 
tions. It  is  also  carminative,  giving  relief  in  cholic,  flat- 
ulency and  hysterics. 


STRAW-BERRY.— (Frigaria.) 

This  is  a  small  well  known  plant  or  vine,  which  bears 
a  most  delicious  fruit  of  a  cooling  laxative  nature.  The 
fruit  is  the  most  useful  part  for  medicine,  but  when  it  can- 
not be  had,  the  vine  may  be  used.  It  is  valuable  in  disea- 
ses of  the  kidneys  and  bladder,  and  a  good  aperient  in 
suppression  of  urine  and  viscernal  obstructions;  also  in 
jaundice,  scurvy,  <fec  The  fruit,  if  held  in  the  mouth  for 
some  time,  is  said  to  dissolve  the  tartareous  concretions 
on  the  teeth. 


TOBACCO.— {Nicotian  Tobacum.) 

This  plant  has  been  in  use  among  the  Indians  or  natives 
""jf  the  American  continent  time  immemmorial,  both  as  a 
uxury  and  medicine.     It  possesses  at  least   eight  grand 
■  aedicinal  properties.     It  is  diuretic,  emetic,  cathartic,  an- 
tispasmodic, sudorific,  expectorant,  anthelmintic,  and  err- 


255  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

hine.  All  these  properties  it  possesses  in  a  most  powerful 
degree,  yet  its  narcoctic  effects  on  the  system,  render  it  a 
dangerous  medicine  to  tamper  with-  I  fraye  followed  the 
example  of  some  of  my  predecessors  in  classing  this  plant 
among  diuretics,  as  it  is  generally  given  to  act  upon  jthe 
urinary  organs,  notwithstanding  it  possesses  some  other  of 
the  above  named  properties  in  an  equally  active  degree. 

As  a  diuretic,  it  is  not  surpassed  by  any  article  in  the 
compass  of  medicine.  The  urine  discharged  after  the  use 
of  this  plant,  is  entirely  over  the  quantity  of  fluid  taken 
into  the  stomach.  This  circumstance  alone,  is  a  conclu- 
sive proof  that  it  acts  powerfully  on  the  urinary  organs, 
and  dislodges  the  dropsical  fluid  from  the  system:  all  the 
objection  that  can  be  urged  against  the  use  of  this  plant 
in  the  treatment  of  dropsy  generally,  is  that  of  its  being 
so  active  and  powerful,  as  to  require  great  caution  and 
skill  in  administering  it.  I  will  give  one  remarkable  cure 
of  dropsy,  which  is  recorded  by  different  writers  among 
the  whites.  It  was  performed  by  Dr.  Cutbush,  physician 
of  the  American  Marine  Hospital  at  Syracuse.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  cure  was  a  young  woman,  who  had  previously 
consulted  thirty-three  physicians  of  Italy,  all  of  whom  had 
given  her  over  as  incurable.  The  solemn  entreaties  of 
her  parents  determined  her  to  make  a  trial,  and  as  a  last 
resort,  he  directed/the  leaves  of  Tobacco  recently  gather- 
ed, to  be  steeped  in  vinegar  and  applied  over  the  abdomen. 
The  first  application  produced  sickness  at  the  stomach, 
vomiting,  swimming  in  the- head,  copious  sweating,  great 
depression  of  muscular  strength,  and  a  loose  state  of  the 
bowels. 

As  soon  as  the  above  symptoms  appeared,  he  removed 
the  tobacco.  This  application  he  continued  for  several 
days  twice  a  day,  removing  the  tobacco,  as  soon  as  the  a- 
bove  symptoms  occurred,  and  in  twenty  days  his  patient 
was  completely  cured. 

Where  poisons  have  been  taken  into  the  stomach,  which 
prevent  the  operation  of  emetics  taken  internally,  .tobac- 
co leaves  pounded  and  steeped  in  vinegar,  or  warm  water, 
and  applied  over  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  will  greatly  as- 
sist the  operation  of  the  emetic  taken  internally. 

Antispasmodic. — In  cramps,  locked-jaw,  spasms  or  colic, 
it  seldom  fails  to  give  speedy  relief,  producing  great  re- 
laxations of  muscular  powers,  and  unusual  prostration  of 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  258 

strength.  Where  colic  is  followed  by  obstinate  constipa- 
tion of  the  bowels,  likely  to  terminate  in  inflammation,  and 
consequent  mortification,  tobacco  clysters  may  be  used 
with  the  happiest  effects,  after  the  most  powerful  purges 
have  been  taken  into  the  stomach,  and  have  proved  inef- 
fectual— they  should  be  given,  one  or  two  table-spoonfuls, 
in  half  a  pint  of  new  milk  or  thin  gruel,  repeating  the  clys- 
ters every  half  hour  until  relief  is  obtained,  or  sickness  at 
the  stomach  produced. 

As  an  Anthelmintic,  tobacco  leaves  applied  over  the 
stomach,  have  often  removed  worms  when  other  remedies 
failed:  it  has  even  expelled  the  tape  worm,  but  it  is  the 
most  sickening  application  in  the  world,  and  should  only 
be  used  as  a  last  resort.  This  article  may  be  used  as  an 
emetic  by  applying  the  leaves  over  the  stomach  in  cases 
where  laudanum  hasfbeen:~  swallowed  for  the  purpose  of 
destroying  life.  In  such  cases,  the  laudanum  prevents  the 
operation  of  emetics  taken  internally.  As  cathartic,  it  is 
used  in  clysters,,  as  above  directed. 

Sudorific  and  Expectorant. — It  is  never  employed  for 
these  purposes,  though  it  always  produces  these  effects 
when  exemplified  for  other  purposes.  The  leaves  cured  in 
the  common  manner,  is  equally  good  as  those  recently  ta- 
ken from  the  stalk  I  believe.  The  tobacco  steeped  in  vin- 
egar, is  the  best  application  I  have  ever  tried  to  the  bee, 
wasp,  and  other  poisonous  insects,  giving  immediate  ease 
to  the,  pain. 

,;    [Caii-no-tah.] 
RUSH. 

The  Hush  is  an  evergreen,  growing  in  most  parts  of  A- 
merjca.  It  grows  in  shady  places  along  the  banks  of  creeks 
and  in  the  swamps  of  the  South,  and  also  in  the  cold  and 
dreary  prairies  of  the  North  west.  The  stalks  are  hollow, 
commonly  about  the  size  of  a  goose  quill,  and  gradually 
taper  from  the  root  to  the  top,  terminating  almost  in  a 
sharp  point.  They  have  something  like  joints,  and  appear 
utterly  destitute  of  leaves:  it  is  said  by  some  to  be  desti- 
tute of  flowers  and  seeds  also;  as  to  the  seeds  I  am  not  pre- 
pared to  say,  but  I  have  seen  it  in  bloom  in  the  month  of 
April.  The  branch  or  footstalk,  which  support&.the  bloom, 
puts  forth  from  the  joint  towards  the  top  of  the  .stalk. 


257  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

A  decoction  of  the  rush  is  a  valuable  diuretic,  producing 
a  copious  and  easy  flow  of  urine,  generally  giving  imme- 
diate relief  in  gravel.  In  the  use  of  this  article,  the  only 
directions  for  a  dose  is,  be  sure  to  drink  enough,  there  be- 
ing no  danger  whatever  in  its  use.  It  is  good  for  dropsy, 
taken  daily  in  large  quantities. 

As  a  diaphoretic,  it  produces  mild  perspiration,  or  sweat. 
It  may  be  gathered  at  any  season  of  the  year,  and  lay 
them  where  they  will  receive  the  fresh  air,  and  they  will 
keep  sweet,  a  great  while:  they  are  better  for  use  when 
-dry  than  when  green. 


[Oo-NE-TA-WE-TAH-TSE-KER.] 

SMART  WEED. 


Of  this  weed  there  are  two  kinds,  the  great  white  and 
Tittle  red.  The  big  white  smart  weed  is  perfectly  inoffen- 
sive in  smell  and  taste,  accompanied  with  no  strong  sensa- 
tion; but  both  its  stem  and  leaves  are  full  of  a  slippery, 
mucilaginous  substance.  A  decoction  of  this  kind  is  di- 
uretic, and  is  very  useful  in  gravel  and  suppression  of  the 
urine,  and  very  especially  in  strangury,  or  painful  dis- 
charge of  water.  The  decoction  thickened  with  wheat 
bran  or  corn  meal,  forms  an  excellent  poultice  for  swelled 
and  inflamed  parts,  allaying  the  fever,  and  giving  almost 
immediate  relief. 

The  red  or  small  kind,  is  very  pungently  acrid,  and  bi- 
ting to  the  taste,  and  in  appearance  is  about  like  the  other, 
only  a  size  smaller.  Many  persons  place  great  confidence 
in  this  kind,  as  being  a  valuable  remedy  for  discharges  of 
bloody  urine,  but  I  have  never  tried  it;  it  is  useful  in  de- 
coction or  teas.  The  only  use  we  make  of  it  is  a  wash, 
and  ointment  for  scald-head,  as  is  fully  shown  under  that 
head. 


[Cah-ter-lah-tah.] 
INDIAN  HEMP. 

This  plant  is  foimd  growing  in  the  woods,  and  on  the 
borders  of  meadows.  The  stalk  generally  grows  from  3 
to  four  leethigb,  and  is  bare  for  some  distance  up;  it  then 
divides  into  several  branches  clothed  with  leaves:  the 


TNDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  258 

flowers  are  numerous,  of  a  whitish  color,  similar  to  buck- 
wheat, which  .ire  followed  by  the  seeds,  somewhat  resem- 
bling a  cucumber. 

The  root  is  the  part  used,  and  is  a  valuable,  article  in 
the  treatment  of  pox,  when  combined  wifb.  other  articles: 
for  further  information  on  this  subject,  refer  to  that  head. 
An  infusion  of  the  root  taken  in  gill  doses,  every  three  or 
four  hours,  operates  as  a  diuretic,  by  increasing  the  dis- 
charge of  urine,  and  is  good  in  dropsy  ^nd  uterine  obstruc- 
tions. It  is  also  diaphoretic,  or  sweating,  and  will  be  found 
beneficial  in  rheumatism,  asthma  and  coughs,  especially 
whooping  cough.  If  the  dose  be  sufficiently  increased,  it 
will  produce  both  puking  and  purging.  As  an  emetic  and 
cathartic,  it  is  very  severe,  but  in  the  latter  way,  it  produ- 
ces the  happiest  effects  in  pox  when  combined  With  other 
articles. 


FLAX  SEED. 


This  valuable  article  is  cultivated  ^extensively  in  many 
parts  of  the  United  States,  for  domestic  purposes;  the  seeds 
are  the  parts  used.  Flax-seed  is  diuretic  and  expectorant. 
As  a  diuretic,  it  is  good  in  gravel  or  burning  in  making 
water.  As  an  expectorant,  it  is  a  valuable  drink  for  per- 
sons attTicted  with  violent  colds,  coughs,  and  diseases  of 
the  lungs  generally. 

A  syrup  made  by  adding  a  pint  of  honey  to  a  quart  of 
strong  flax  seed  tea,  and  simmering  it  slowly  over  a  gen- 
tle fire,  for  an  hour,  taking  off  the  scum  as  it  rises,  is  a  val- 
uable medicine  for  diseases  of  the  breast  and  lungs,  taken 
in  doses  of  a  table  spoonful  every  hour,  if  the  cough  be 
troublesome. 


'{Quhh-lo-guh,  Taii-lo-iiee.] 

SUMACH,  BLACK  AND    WHITE.— Improperly  called 

Shumahe. — (Rhus  Glambum.) 

This  is  a  shrub  weJi  Ifnown  in  the  United  States.    Some 
practitioners  prefer  the;  white,  others  the   black, — with,  us 
the    white,  ( is   generally  used,  though  when  it  cannot    be 
had  the  black  lp,  considered ^  alrnost  equal.     The  root  of 
sumach  forms  a  part  of  ^almost  every  preparation  used  by 


259  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTIf. 

us  for  clap,  aod  maybe  relied  on  as  a  valublf  medicine 
in  this  dreadful  complaint.  The  hfanner  fdf  preparing 
and  using  it  in  disease,  is  fully  shown.  As  a  diuretic,  it 
acts  well  on  urinary  organs,  and  is  Valuable  in  strangury 
or  painful  discharges  of  the  urine,  and  is  also  cathartic,  an- 
tiseptic, tonic,  and  diaphoretic. 

The  white  shrub  may  be  used  as  medicine:  the  leaves 
are  good  to  smoke  incase  of  asthrna  and  phthisic.  A  de- 
coction or  infusion  of  the  berries  is  a  valuahle  tonic  in  a- 
gue  and  fever.  The  bark  Of  the  root  acts  on  the  bowels, 
as  a  purge,  more  actively  than  any  part  of  the  shrub.  In 
cases  of  gleet  or  ulcerated  bladder!  A  decoction  of  the 
root  taken  three  times  a  day,  a  half  pint  at  a  time,  is  very 
excellent. 

The  decoction  forms  an  excellent  wash  for  foul  ulcers, 
a  poultice  made  by  thickening  flour  or  meal  in  a  strong 
decoction  of  the  bark  or  roots,  is  a  Valuable  application  to 
risings;  it  either  suppresses  them  or  draws  them  to  a 
head  immediately,  giving  great  ease  to  the  pain.  An  oint- 
ment made  by  ste  Wing  the  inside  bark  of  the  root  of  black 
sumachj  in  fresh  butter,  until  the  .strength  is  extracted,  is 
a  most  excellent  application,  for  swelled  or  inflamed 
breasts. 


[oO-THUR-LOII-LAH.] 

SILK  WEED.— {Asctepias  Syriasa.)  ■, 

The  Silk-Weed,  sometimes  called  Milk- Weed;  is  found 
in  all  parts  of  the  country,  growing  mostly  in  rich  grounds, 
the  stem  rises  from  two  to  four  feet  high,  and  bears  a 
Large  pod,  containing,  when  ripe,  a  silk  like  substance. 

The  root  of  the  Silk- Weed  acts  powerfully  on  the  uri- 
nary organs  when  taken  in  decoction,  and  is  valuable  in 
venereal  or  clap.  It  acts  well  as  a  sweat,  when  combined 
with  other  articles,  as  is  fully  shown7  in  the  treatment  of 
the  different  diseases.  The  root  taken  in  large  doses  is  e- 
metic  and  cathartic;  it  is  also  tonic  and  is  not  surpassed 
by  any  root  in  my  knowledge  for  a  laxative  bitter  tonic. 
Persons  afflicted  with  gravel  or  dropsy,  will  derive  great 
benefit  from  its  use  ;  it  has  of  itself  without  the  aid  of  oth 
her  remedies  cured  many  cases  of  both  dropsy  and  gravel. 
When  gathered  it  should  be  kept  carefully  or  it  will  Idpse 
its  virtues. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  200 

[cO«-YOU-SUDX-UH.] 

WtflTOELDER,  SWEET-ELDER.— (Sambicus  Nigezf) 

The  common  Elder  grows  so  plentifully  and  is  so  well 
known  in  this  country, ..  that  any  description  whatever 
would  be  useless.  The  bark,  flowers  and  berries  all  pos- 
sesses medicinal  yirtues$  they  are  diuretic  or  increases 
the  discharge  of  urine,  cathartic  or  purgative,  emetic  or 
puking.  A  tea  or  decoction  of  the  inner  bark  has  reliev- 
ed obstinate  cases  of  dropsy  after  other  remedies. had  fail- 
ed. The  whites  use  this  bark  in  tincture,  made  by  diges- 
ting two  handsfufeof  the  inner  bark  of  the  common  Elder 
in  a  half  gallon <Qf  *wine  twenty  four  hours.  Dose^  one  gill 
.twice  a  day,  and  increase  the  quantity  if  the  stomach  will 
bear  it>  until  relief  is  obtained.  We  have  never  tried 
this  tincture,  but  can  bear  ample  testimony  of  the  effica- 
cy of  the  Elder  bark  in  decoction.  Digested  in  wine,  it 
will  be  more  palatable  and  grateful  to  the  taste,  and  1 
presume  equally  as  good  as  <a  diuretic  or  increaser  of  the 
urine.  , 

A  decoction  of  the  flowers,  is  a  mild,  sweating,  purga- 
tive anodyne,  very  useful  for  light  sickness  among  chil- 
dren. Anointment  or  salve,  made  by  stewing  the  inside 
bark  in  lard  or  fresh  butter,  is  a  valuable  application  to 
burns  and  most  eruptions  of  the  skin— it  may  be  render- 
ed better  for  burns  by  adding  to  it  while  stewing  an  equal 
portion  of  the  the  root  of  bears-foct.  ; 


PUMPKIN.— {Cucurbit*  Pepo.) 

A  decoction  of  the  common  Pnmpkin-seeds  is  diuretic, 
or  increases  the  quantity  of  urine,  and  is  very  good  in  grav- 
el, drops\T  and  diseases  which-  require  medicines  of  this 
class.  The  oil  of  the  Pumpkin-seeds  is  said  to  be  much 
better  than  the  decoction.  I  a$n  not  prepared  to  say  from 
personal  knowledge  which  is  the  best,  but  I  copy  the  fol- 
lowing from  Dr.  Smith,  who  professes  to  be  well  acquain- 
ted with  its  virtues  as  a  medicine,  "it  is  perhaps  without 
exception,  the  most  certain  and  most  efficient  diuretic  we 
possess,"  giving  immedite  relief  for  the  scalding  of  the  u- 
rine  and  spasms  of  the  urinary  passage.^  Dose  of  the  oil 
is  from  six  to  twelve  drops,  repeated  as  often  as  the  vio- 
lence of  the  symptoms  requireiit. 


261  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

QUEEN  OF  THE  MEADOW.— (Spered  Llmaria.) 

This  plant  is  found  growing  mostly  in  wettish  ground, 
though  sometimes  on  high,  dry  land.  It  has  a  long  fi- 
brous root,  which  remains  in  the  ground  all  winter,  it  is 
of  a  white  or  brownish  color.  In  the  spring  several  stems 
grow  out  from  the  same  root  from  three  to  six  feet  high, 
they  are  round,  smooth,  jointed — of  a  purple  color  around 
each  joint,  bearing  many  pale  reddish  blossoms  on  the  top 
in  clusters.  Its  leaves  grow  out  around  the  stalk  at  the 
joints  in  whorls,  from  three  to  five  hi  a  whorl,  they  are 
large  and  indented  or  jagged. 

The  root  of  this  plant  is  the  part -used,  and  is  a  most 
powerful  diuretic,  useful  in  all  dieases  of  the  urinary  or- 
gans, dropsy,  gout,  rheumatism  and  female  obstructions. 
It  is  used  in  a  strong  decoction,  and  "when  taken  freely  is 
an  almost  certain  remedy  for  gravelly  complaints,  as  it 
seldom  fails  to  carry  off  the  calculus  or  stone  with  the  u- 
rirte  in  a  dissolved  state. 


PARSELY.— (Ajrium  Peitosdimn.)  / 

This  well  known  plant  is  cultivated  in  most  of  our  gar- 
dens for  culinary  purposes,  and  therefore  needs  no  descrip- 
tion. The  top  and  root  are  both  used  in  form  of  a  decoc- 
tion: it  is  diuretic.;  the  root  is  seme  the  best.  It  is  good  in 
ir.fiamaticn  of  the  kidneys  and  bladder,  in  all  ordinary  ca- 
ses of  sup/pressed  urine.  A  constant  drink  of  this  decoc- 
tion has  cured  obstinate  cases  of  dropsy  at  an  advanced 
stage.  It  is  one  of  the  best  teas  in  the  world  for  infants 
;■  filleted  with  suppression  orpainitil  discharges  of  vrinc. 
It  is  also  very  good  tor  female  obstructions,  and  for  lying 
in  women,  whose  discharges  are  too  scant. 


[wE-SEK-KAH-Cfi.VR.] 

C  A  T-T  O  N  G  U  E. 

This  plant  has  a  clear  smooth  root,  with  but  few  fibres 
running  horrizontal  in  the  ground;  about  the  size  of  a  goose- 
quill,  it  is  white,  or  of  a  clear  watery  transparent  appear- 
ance, the  root  is  not  killed  by  the  frosts  of  winter.  Gener- 
ally but  one  stem  rises  from  each  root,  it  is  small,  round, 
erect,  covered  With  hair  or  down,  and  grows  from  one  to 
two  feet  high.     The  leaves  grow  out  opposite,  alternate, 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH..  20.2 

spear  shaped,  and  like  the.  stalk  are  covered  witE  a  down 
or  hair — blossoms  are  white.  The  root  is  the  part  Tased, 
the  best  mode  of* taking  it  is  in  strong  decoction. .  It  is  diu- 
retic, or  valuable  in. producing  an  easy  and  copious 
discharge  of  urine.  In  diseases  of  the  kidneys  ^nd  blad- 
der, suppressed  urine  and  gravelly  complaints  generally; 
it  seldom  fails  in  giving  speedy  relief, .  It  is  also  good  in 
dropsy. 

[oO-NA-KER-00-NAH-STA-TS£,] 

TWIN  LEAF.— (Jefcrsonia  Odorata.) 

Twin-Leaf  has  a  small  root,  full  of  fibers,  the  root  is  pe- 
rennial, that  is,  it  is  not  killed  by  the  frosts  of  winter.  It 
has  many  leaves,  whleh  grow  out  on  long  foot-stalks,  divi- 
ded into  two  equal  parts,  which  circumstance  has  given 
it  the  name  of  Twin-Leaf  The  flower  stalk  produces  a 
single  flower,  which  is  white. .  The  most  common  mode 
of  using  this  plant  is  in  tew,  or  decoction,  but  it  may  be  em- 
ployed in  tincture  or.  syrup  if  preferred.  It  is  good  for 
dropsy,  suppression  of  urine,  and  gravelly  complaints  gen- 
erally. It  is  an  excellent  external  application,  to  sores, 
ulcers  and  inflamed  parts. 


[te-co-we-skee.] 
WILD  POTATOE.—  {Convolvulus  Panduratus.) 

The  Wild  Potatoe  has  a  large  root,  sometimes  more 
than  three  inches  in.  diameter  and  two  or  three  feet  long, 
branched  at  the  bottom*  of  a  rough  appearance,  having 
grooves  running  lengthwise.  The  root  is  of  a  yellow  col- 
or, coniaining  a  milk  like  juice;  it  is  perennial,  that  is  the 
root  remains  in  the  ground  all  winter,  and  is  not  killed  by 
the,  frost.  Its  stem  is  a  climbing  vine,  running  from  three 
to  twelve  feet  long,  of  a  purplish  color.  Its  leaves  gro\r 
out  alternate,  and  are  somewhat  fidddle-shaped,  of  a  deep 
green  on  the  upper  and  pale  on  the  under  sid  3.  The  flow- 
ers resemble  the  morning-glory  and  are  of  a  white  or  pur- 
plish color.  This  vine  is  mostly  found  in  poor,  loose,  san- 
dy soils,  in  open  grounds. 

The  root,  is  the  part  used,  and  may  be  taken  in  decoc- 
tion or  powder,:.  As  a  diuretic,  it  is  usefui  in  dropsy,  grav- 
el .and  suppression  of  urine.     It  is  a  mild  cathartic  or  lax- 


*2S3  "INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

ative,  and  expectorant,  and  is  valuable  in  coughs,  asthfos. 
or  phthisic  and  consumption. 


[OO  -  STEE-C  AH-NE-QUAH-LE-  SKEE.] 

CLAP  WEiED,  COCK-UP-HAT. 

The  root  of  this  plant  is  small,  dark,  and  fibrous,  and 
has  an  uncommon  pungent,  biting  taste,  and  on  being 
chewed  produces  a  great  flow  of  spittle.  The  stem  grows 
from  one  to  three  feet  high,  leaves  small,  rough,  pointed, 
rather  oval.  Its  flower  is  about  the  size  of  a  thumb,  of  a 
purple  color  and  bears  some  resemblance  to  the  sunflower, 
only  it  is  more  bulbous  or  round  on  the  face  than  the  sun- 
lioower. 

The  root  is  the  part  used,"^and  taken  in  decoction,  tinc- 
ture, or  even  the  root  chewed  persevteringly,  is  a  specific 
lor  veneral  or  clap  in  its  worst  forms. 


POOR  ROBBING  PLANTAIN. 

This  plant  is  generally  found  growing  in  low  grounds,. 
it  grows  from  4  to  six  feet  high,  and  often  climbs  on  bush- 
es near  it.  The  upper  part  is  white,  armed  with  sharp 
spines  or  prickles.  The  flowers  are  small,  succeeded  by 
a  fruit  rather  large,  composed  of  two  berries,  slightly  ad- 
hering together  and  covered  with 'prickles. 

The  leaves  are  the  part  used,  in  decoction  it  is  a  most 
valuable  remedy  for  suppressions  of  the  urine  and  for  ait 
gravelly  complaints.  It  is  astringent  and  may  be  trSeel 
for  spitting  of  blood  with  the  happiest  effect,  it  is  also 
good  for  epilepsy  or  fits.  Dosle,  a  half  pint  every  hdur 
until  relief  is  obtained. 


[oO-KAH^TO-GE-A-QUAH.] 

HIGHLAND   B  I  G  -  L  E  A  F. 

This  plant  is  found  in  great  abundance  in  all  parts  of 
the  United  States  with  which  I  am  acquainted.  I  do  not 
know  that  it  has  any  name  by  which  the  whites  would 
know  it.  The  Indians,  when  asked  by  the  whites  for  a 
name,  call  it  Highland  Big-Leaf,  but  say  they  never  saw 
it  used  by  the  whites  for  medicine.  It  has  a  large  rought 
woody  root,  which  when  broken,  appears  of  a  dirtv  pur- 


INDIAN  feuiDE  TO  HEATTH.  264 

plish  or  Wack  color,  it  is  very  hard  to  dig;  the  root  is  pe- 
rennial. The  leaves  are  from  tfiree  to  five  in  number  and 
$>ut  out  from  the  rooty  supported  on  long  foot-stalks,  the 
stem  or  foot-stalk  is  generally  of  a  purplish  color.  The 
leaf  is  biroad  at  the  base  terminating  hi  a  point^-the  edg- 
es are  indented  with  unequal  scallops,  the  foot?-stalks  and 
leaves,  particularly  the  under.side  of  the  leavef \are  cover- 
ed with  a  kind  of  hair  or  down.  During  the;  summer  it 
sends  up^a  round  naked  flower-stalk,  from  two  to  four  feet 
high,  which  is  crowned  with  numerous  flowers,  of  a  yel- 
low color,  succeeded  by  seed  vessels  not  very  disssmilar  to 
those  of  the  common  tobacco  stalk.  It  is  mostly  found  on. 
poor  rockylands  and  dry  hill  sides.  .; 

The  root  is  the  part  used:  it  forms  an  ingredient  in  the 
antibillious  pills,  and  is  diuretic  and  cathartic.  It  is  a 
valuable  remedy  for|venereal  or  clap,  as  may  be  seen  under 
that  head.  A  decoction  of  it  is  good  for  gravel  and  dis- 
eases of  the  urinary  organs  generally. 


HOP    VINE. 

This  is  a  large,  lengthy  vine,  turning  itself  to  whatever 
is  in  its  reach.  It  is  a  garden  plant,  and  is  too  well  known 
to  require  a  further  description.  A  strong  infusion  or  tea 
of  the  hop  is  one  of 'the  most  valuable  remedies  we  have 
for  gravel,  and  inflammation  of  the  kidneys  and  bladder,  it 
is  narcotic  or  anodyne,  thai  is  it  alleviates  pain  and  pro- 
duces sleep.  It  is  good  in  rheumatism,  and  breast  com- 
plaints, it  gives  tone*' and  strength  to  the  stomach,  and  in- 
vigorates the  system  generally.  It  is  also  valuable  in  fe- 
male complaints,  especially  where  the  womb  is  debilita- 
ted, and  for  such  females  as  are  afflicted  with  the  falling 
of  the  womb.  -It  may  be  used  in  decoction  or  in  spirits  as 
the  patient  may  prefer. 


[oo-na-stah-lah-cah-tSee-le-skee.] 

This  plant  grows  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States  with 
which  I  am  acquainted.  w  It  grows  on  uplands  and  bottoms 
where  the  soil  is  good,  mostly  in  fence  corners.  The  root 
is  hard  to  dig,  lias  many,  roots  issuing  from  one  head,  they 
are  smooth,  aaji  inclined  to  be  spindle  shaped,  with  butfevv 
small  fibres;  %n    being  exposed  to  the  sun  they  turn  of  a 


-    265  INDIANGUIDE  TO  HEALTH, 


red  color,  and  when  dry,  are  wrinkled  and  dark.  The 
bark  of  the  root  contains  a  kind  of  rosin  or  sticky  sub- 
stance, which  in  taste  is  something  like  pine  rosin.  The 
stem  is  erect  growing  from  four  to  eight  feet  high,  much 
branched  towards  the  top,  bearing  numerous  yellow  blos- 
soms. The  stalk  is  round  but  has  four  and  sometimes  five 
welts,  or  feather  like  edges  dividing  it  into  so  many  equal 
parts,  which  gives  it  the  appearance  of  a  four  or  five  square. 
I  have  never  heard  any  name  for  it  among  the  whites 
though  it  is  growing  in  great  abundance  on  many  of  their 
farms;  they  have  never  used  it  as  a  medicine,  so  far  as  I 
have  been  able  to  learn,  unless  it  is  the  same  weed  that 
Turk  recommends  so  highly  for  gravel,  in  a  pamphlet  pub- 
lished by  him  in  1S43>  he  describes  it  as  "having  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  four  square."  The  circumstanc  of  its  having 
sometimes  five  welts  or  feather  edges  might  havebeenover 
looked  by  him,  as  every  other  particular  mentioned  by  him 
is  applicable  to  the  Oo-na-stah-luh  cah-tsee-le-skee. 

The  root  is  the  part  used,  and  is  one  of  the  most  power- 
ful diuretics  with  which  I  am  acquainted,  it  is  an  excel- 
lent remedy  in  gravel,  and  in  all  diseases  of  the  kidney 
and  bladder.  It  is  also  valuable  for  female  weakness,  such 
as  flooding  after  or  before  child  birth,  in  this  case  give  it 
in  tea  or  decoction  until  relief  is  obtained.  This  root 
should  be  kept  at  hand  by  every  midwife,  and  by  every 
physician  who  attends  £s  a  midwife,  it  is  the  most  efficient 
remedy  known  to  the  Cberokees  for  floodings,  and  in  their 
Hands  has  never  failed  to  give  relief.  For  gravel  or  dis- 
eases of  the  urinary  organs  where  there  is  not  too  much 
excitement,  it  may  be  taken  in  spirits  as  bitters,  in  this 
way  it  makes  quite  a  pleasant  drink.  The  quantity  taken 
for  gravel  is  not  limited,  only  be  sure  to  take  enough.  In 
female  diseases,  the  quantity  must  be  regulated  by  the  ef- 
fects produced. 


SOUTHERN  YAUPON. 

This  is  a  well  known  shrub  or  bushin  the  southern  states, 
it  grows  from  twelve  to  fifteen  feet  high,  its  branches  are 
numerous,  upright  and  stiff,  covered  with  a  smooth  whitish 
bark.  Its  leaves  are  evergreen,  small  and  saw  edged, 
flowers  small,  white,  growing  out  irregular  among  the 
leaves,  and  are  succeeded  by  small  red  bierries,  which,  b#- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  266 

Come  red  in  the  fall  and  remain  so  all  the  winter.  The 
leaves  of  the  Yaupon  makes  a  pleasant  tea,  and  when 
freely  used,  produces  a  copious  and  easy  flow  of  urine  and 
is  a  most  valuable  article  in  the  cure  of  dropsy  and  gravel- 
ly complaints.  The  leaves  toasted  and  made  into  decoc- 
tion is  a  most  valuable  and  pleasant  drink.  The  Yaupon 
tea -is  as  grateful  to  the  taste  as  the  Bohea  tea,  if  not  more 
so,  and  may  be  cured  and  preserved  for  use  a  great  while, 
and  is  quite  a  convenient  article  of  transportation. 


BURDOCK.— (Arctium  Lappa.) 

This  plant  grows  around  rich  yards,  horselots,  barns, 
and  in  other  rich  places,  and  is  well  known.  The  roots 
or  seeds  may  be  used.  In  decoction,  it  is  a  mild  cathartic 
or  purge;  produces  sweat,  and  a  copious  flow  of  urine;  It 
is  valuable  to  cleans  the  blood,  and  is  admirably  adapted 
to  old  venereal  diseases,  mercurial  complaints,  rheumatism, 
gravel,  scurvy.  &c.  The  root  infused  in  spirits  forms  a 
valuable  bitter  for  weakly  females. 


[oO-NAH-TSA-LER-E-TRA-TA-KEE.J 

WILD  RATS  BANE,  WINTER  GREEN. 


This  is  a  common,  plant  throughout  the  Union,  but  is 
most  abundant  in  the  eastern  and  middle  states,  growing 
in  sandy  plains,  and  where  pine  timber  abounds.  Its  root 
is  woody,  creeping,  sending  up  stems  at  different  distan- 
ces. Its  leaves  are  long  narrow,  wedged  shaped,  of  a  dark 
green  color,  variegated  with  light  or  whitish  stripes,  sur- 
face smooth  and  shining,  with  notched  or  indented  edges. 
The  flowers,  are  white  or  of  a  light  purple  color,  growing: 
on  the  top  of  the  stem,  and  are  succeeded  by  brown  seeds 
resembling  allspice, it  is  an  evergreen,  The  top  and  root 
are  bor.a  used  medicinally..  In  decoction  or  bitters  it  is  di- 
uretic, and  will  be  found  an  excellent  remedy  for  dropsy, 
and  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs.  A  decoction  of  this 
plant  is  good  for  rheiar  atism  scrofula,  cancers,  ulcers,  &c. 
«^--it  should  be  taken  internally;  in  doses  of  half  a  gill,  seve- 
i^altimesaday,  and  externally  for  bathing  or  washing  the 
affected  parts.  Stewed  in.hog's  larct  it  is  said  to  cure  tet-. 
ter  and  ring- worm.  ""'•*'    '  ' 


267  INDIAN  GUIBE  TOHEALT  H. 

BEAR-BERRY,    WILD    CRANBERRY.— (Uva    Ursi) 

This  is  a  low,  evergreen  shrub,  which  grows  and"  spreads 
itself  near  the  surface  of  the  ground;,  its  branches  are  pen- 
sile or  hanging;  bark  is  of  a  reddish,  or  pink  color,  and  is 
thickly  set  with  oblong,  oval,  and  entire  fleshy  leaves.  .  The 
flower  is  oval  shaped,  broader  near  the  base  than  the 
mouth,  the  edge  of  the  flower  is  scolloped  into  five  divisions, 
small,  blunt  and  curled  points.  It  produces  fruit  every 
two  years;  it  is  a  roundish,  red  colored  berry,  similar  in 
appearance  to  the  small  wild  cherry,  it  contains  five  seeds 
and  no  more,  they  are  hard,  and  with  plain  sides.  "This 
plant  bears  a  strong  resemblance  to  the  bilberry  or  red- 
myrtle,  and  good  botanists  often  mistake  the  red-myrtle  for 
the  uva  ursi.  The  only  difference  which  can  be  depended 
upon,  is  this:  the  uva  ursi  has  ten  stamina  or  uprights,  and 
the  berries  contain  only  five  seeds. each,  while  the  bilberry 
-or  red  myrtle  has  but  eight  stamina  in  the  flower,  and 
sometimes  twenty  seeds  in  the  berry.  Uva  ursi  is  to  be 
met  with  in  the  coldest  countries  and  on  the  highest  moun- 
tains, and  elsewhere.  The  leaves  and  bark  have  a  bitter 
astringent  taste,  and  by  those  who  have  tried  them  are  con- 
sidered one  of  the  best  remedies  now  known  for  all  disea- 
ses of  the  urinary  organs,  whether  of  the  kidnies,  ureters 
or  bladder;  many  wonderful  cures  are  on  record,  that  have 
been  performed  by  this  wonderful  plant.  It  is  also  good 
fcr  dropsy— dose,  a  tea-spoonful  of  the  powdered  leaves  in 
hot  water,  three  or  four  times  a  day,,  or  a  decoction  of  the 
fresh  leaves  may  be  taken  in  teacupful  doses  several  times 
a  day.  This  article  can  always  be  had  genuine  in  the 
shops,  in  this  and  most  other  countries  where  it  is  not  to  be 
found  in  the"' woods. 


[Ah-"squah-na-ta-q'uah.] 
(ENGLISH  NAME  NOT  KrfOWN) 

This  valuable  herb  grows  in  rich!  mountains  at  the  head 
of  small  streams — it'growsfrbm  three  to  five  feet  high,  the 
blades  or  leaves  resemble  the  blades  of  corn;  the  roots  ma- 
ny, small,  of  a  dark,  brown  color. 

The  root  is  fhe  part  used'  for  medical  purposes.  It  is 
diuretic,  and  is  an  infallible  remedy  for  dropsy.  It  also 
possesses  the   extraordinary  property  of  reducing  very 


■   INDIAN  GUIDE  T6  HEALTH.  268 

fleshy  persons  down  to  their  ordinary  size,  without  impair- 
ing the  health  or  effecting  it  in  any  way.  The  mode  of 
using  it,  is  the  bruised  root  in  cold  water;  it  should  be  used 
daily,  until  the  desired  effect  is  produced:  As  it  has  no  dis- 
agreeable sensation  whatever,  it  will  generally  reduce  the 
flesh  sufficiently  in  the  course  of  six  months.  The  quan- 
tity taken  each  day  is  not  at  all  material,  but  it  should  not. 
fall  short  of  a  pint  a  day.  The  herb  growsin  great  abun- 
dance on  the  Coahutta  Mountain. 


[no-tse-e-yau-stee.] 

PINEY    WE  ED. 

-This  plant  has  a  whitish  fibrous  root,  stem  «rect,  grow- 
ing from  five  to  eight  inches  high,  and  very  much  resem- 
bles young'  flax,  and  bears  a  purplish  or  whitish  blossom 
on  the  top,  found  growing  in  pine  and  hickory  soil.  The 
whole  plant  may  be  usedforrnedicine. 

It? is  diuretic  and  diaphoretic,  the  decoction  taken  inter- 
nally and  the  bruised  herb  applied  externally,  will  cure 
the  bite  of  the  copper-head  or  lattle-snake;  it  is  also  good 
for  venereal,  conbined  wilh  highland  big-leaf  it  seldom  fails 
to  cure  that  disgraceful  disease.  It  may  be  taken  in  pow- 
ders or  decoction. 


£E-NAH-LE-tfi,-LOH-SCOCH-LA-NL"R-WA-T£E.] 

RATTLE-SNAKES'  MASTER. 

Rattle-Snakes  master  is  found  growing  in  considerable 
abundance  in  many  parts  of  the  United  Stales.  It  has  a 
perennial  root  nearly  bulbous,  about  an  inch  in  length. 
the  lower  end  decayed  giving  off  many  fibres.  Its  leaves 
or  blades  put  forth  from  the  root,  they  are  smooth  fleshy,, 
generally  from  five  to  eight  inches  in  length,  of  a  beautiful 
green  color.  The  whole  plant  contains  a  kind  of  mucil- 
lage.  The  mucillage  in  the  leaves  wrill  rope  a  considera- 
ble distance  when  the  leaf  is  broken  crossways.  This 
herb  is  a  most  powerful  stimulant  a  diaphoretic,  it  is*  alio 
antiseptic.  It  is  one  of  the  most  powerful  and  certain 
rem&diesKfor  snake  bite  now  Known. 


200  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

WILD    MERCURY. 

This  herb  is  found  mostly  in  cultivated  lands,  but  some-, 
times  in  the  woods.  The  main  root  is  roundish,  from  1  inch 
to  an  inch  and  a  quarter  in  diameter,  many  small  or  fibrous 
roots  issue  from  the  main  caudex  or  head,  the  whole  root 
is  of  a  brownish  color — stem  rises  from  two  to  four  feet 
high,  hairy  and  erect.  Its  leaves  are  large  and  pointed; 
flowers  are  yellow,  with  a. round  black  middle — when  the 
leaves  of  the  flower  fall-  off  they  leave  a  black  burr. 

the  root  is  the  part  used  for  medicine.  It  is  diuretic, 
antisceptic  and  diaphoretic.  Useful  in  dropsy,  gravel  and 
the  like.  This  root  seems  peculiarlyadapted  to  that  dis- 
graceful disease  the  pox,  as  may  be  seen  in  .the  treatment 
of  that  disease. 


CLASS  No.  VIII. 

EXPECTORANTS. 

Expectorants  area  class  of  medicines,  used  to  promote 
the  discharge  of  mucus  or  any  other  irritating  matter  from 
the  lungs,  and  are  useful  in  consumption,  asthma,  coughs, 
and  in  all  cases  where  the  excretions  are  not  sufficiently 
active  to  throw  off  their  contents. 


ELECAMPANE.— {Inula  Helcnium.) 

This  plant  is  found  mostly  along  road  sides,  and  about 
houses,  it  is  also  culvitated  in  some  gardens;.lts  leaves- are 
large,  flowers  large  anclyellow,  appearing  in  J  uly  and  Au- 
gust. 

The  root  is  the  part  employed  medicinally,  and  when 
dry  has  an  aromatic  smell,  and  a  bitterish  aromatic  taste, 
and  not  very  unpleasant.  It  is  a  valuable  stimulating 
expectorant,  and  is  an  excel  lent  remedy  in  disorders  of 
the  lungs,  as,  coughs,  asthmas  and, consumptions.  It  pro- 
motes an  increased  flow  of  urine,  acts  gently  on  the  bow- 
els as  an  aperient.  It  is  a  strengthening  restorative  medi- 
cine, and  a  gentle  diaphoretic.  The  root  finely  pulverized 
swid  mixed  with  honey  is  the  best  mode  of  using  it— dose., 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  270 

a  tea-spoonful  morningc  and  night;  or  it  may  be  taken 
in  syrup  as  follows:  Boil  a  half  ponnd  of  the  root  in  a 
gallon  of  water,  dowfi  to  half  that  quantity,  strain  or  fil- 
ter that  decoction,  add  a  pint  of  honey  or  molasses — dose 
a  table-spoonful  taken' morning,  noon  and  night.  It  is  al- 
so valuable  for  female  obstructions,  where  the  general 
health  is  impaired,  and  for  pregnant  women  of  weak  hab- 
its, such  as  are  afflicted  with  weak  bowels  and  womb.  It 
forms  an  ingredient  in  the  chalybeate  pill. 

.    .  [Red-lah-no-ta-iiah.] 

RED  PUCCOON.-— (Sang'iiinaria  Canadensis.) 

Sometimes  called  Indian  plant,  blood  root,  &c.  This 
plant  is  a  native  of  North  America,  from  Canada  to  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico,  aud  perhaps  of  no  other  portion  of  the 
globe.  The  root  is  perennial;  it  has  a  fleshy  root,  of  a  red- 
dish brown  outside,  but  on  being  broken,  or  cut,  it  emits  a 
bright  red  juice,  resembling  blood,  hence  the  name  blood 
root;  it  is  about  the  size  of  the  little  ringer,  very  tender,  and 
the  lower  end  of  the  root  has  the  appearance  of  being  cut 
off  or  broken;  in  taking  it  from  the  ground.  The  leaves 
grow  out  from  the  root,  and  are  supported  on  long  foot 
stalks,  heart-shaped,  oi  a  pale  liglifc  green,  streaked  witli 
veins  of  an  orange  color;  it  produces  a  single  white  flow- 
er, succeeded  by  numerous  seeds,  which  are  round  and 
pointed.  The  leaves  and  seeds  of  the  Puccoon  plant,  are 
poisonous,  and  must  never  be  used.  The  root  appears  to 
contain  all  its  medieval  qualities,  and  in  many  respects  is 
closely  allied  in  its  effects  on  the  human  system,  to  the  sen- 
eka  snake  root.  A  decoction  of  the  root  taken  in  small 
doses,  acts  as  an  expectorant,  and  is  valuable  in  coughs 
and  inflammation  of  the  lungs:  this  decoction  given  in  ta- 
ble spoonful  doses  every  fifteen  minutes,  until  it  produces 
puking,  is  a  most  excellent  remedy  in  croup,  or  the  pow- 
dered root,  may  be  administered  in  broken  doses,  until  the 
desired  effect  is  produced.  This  in  powder  from  twenty 
to  thirty  grains,  is  an  active  emetic  for  grown  persons. 
It  is  diaphoretic,  that  is,  a  valuable  sweating  medicine, 
when  given  in  broken  doses.  The  dried  root  in  spirits, 
mafcs  a  good  strengthening,  or  tonic  bitter,  and  is  much 
usetl  in  our  practice;  in  this  way  when  combined  with 
othfer  articles,  such  aS  rattle  root,  star  root,  &c;  in  all  ca- 


211  INDIAN  GUIDE  T0-HEALTH 

ses  of  obstructed  menses;  where  the  general  health  is-im-  ... 
paired,  and  tonics  or  strengthening  medicines  are  required. 
It   is  good  in  colds,  pleurisies,  rheumatism,  liver   com- 
plaints and  other  inflammatory  disorders.  ,,  The  decoction 
is  a  good  wash  fpr  indolent  ulcers,  and  the  dried  powder- 
ed root  sprinkled  .on  ill  conditioned    sores,   seldom  fails  to 
produce  a  healthy  discharge,  and  a  disposition  to  heal. — 
The  root  sliced  and  steeped  in  vinegar,  eight  or  ten  days, 
is  a  certain  cure,  for  tetter  worm.     It  is  said  that  the  pul- 
verized root,  snuffed  up  the  nose,  will   remove  polypus,   a 
ileshy  or  gristly  substance,  which  grows  in    the  nostril, 
gradually  increasing  in  size  until  breathing  becomes  dif- 
ricult,  and.  Soinetim^g  unless  removed,  jends  in  suffocation. 
The  best  time  for  gathering  the  root  for  medicine,  is  when 
the  seeds  are  ripe,  which  is  inVMay  or  June. 


LIQUORICE.— {Giycyrrhiza  GfabraJ. 

This  plant  is  a  native  of  both  Europe  and  America,  and 
is  said  to  grow  spontaneously  in  the  northwestern  part  .of 
the  United  ^tates.  The  root  is  the  part  for  medicinal  use; 
they  are  long  and  large,  of  a  tough  or  "woody  nature,  and 
have  a  little  the  appearance  of  spikenard  roots;  they  are^of 
a  brownish  yellow  color,  and  when  chewed,  they  yield,,  a 
s<ort  of  waxy  substance,  of  a  pleasant  sweetish,  and  .at 
last,  a  slight  bitter  taste.  Both  the  root  and  extract  is  use- 
ful in  coughs,  asthma  and  hoarseness,  as,  it  loosens  the 
phlegm,  and.  promotes  expectoration. 

The  extract  is  made  by  steeping  the  root  in  water,  or 
by  boiling  it  it  until  the  strength  is  extracted,  then  strain 
the  decoction  and  reduce  it  to  the  proper  .consistence  by 
boiling  or  simmering  it  over  a  slow  fire. 


[C  ULSA  Y-TSE-E-  YO  U-  STEE.] 

(THE  ENGLISH,  NAME  NOT  KNOWN.) 

This  plant  is  found  growing  in  rich  bottom^  and  along- 
the  borders  of  meadows.  It  has  a  fibrous,  perennial  root, 
of  a  pale  or  whitish  color,  stem  rises  from  four  to  six  inch- 
es high,  is  decumbent,  or  bending,  the  leaves  grow  out  on 
the  sides  of  the  stem,  and  when  the  stem  is  straightened 
or  made  stand  erect,  the  leaves  stand  edgeways  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  tansy   leaf;  they  are  smooth,  of  a  deep 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TQHEALTH.  ,  272 

green  eolor,:  somewhat  pointed;  at  the  extremity  of  the 
stem  there  are  three  leaves,  the  next  two  grow  out  oppo- 
site, anil  the  remainder  alternate.  The  whole  plant  and 
root  is  used,  and  in  decoction  is  an  infallible  remedy  for 
whooping-cough. 

O  N.I  ON  S. 

The  Onion  is  extensively  cultivate^  in  the  gardens  of 
this  country,  as  an  esculent  root.  The:  onion  is ,  expecto- 
rant and  diuretic^  is  valuable  both  as  an  internal  and  ex- 
ternal remedy.  The  onion  juice  prepared  by.'putting  a 
small  quantity  of  brimstone  in  the  middle,  or  heart  of  the 
onion,  then  wrap,  in  leaves  or  wet  cloths  and  roast  it  per- 
fectly, then  press  out  the  juice;  this  is  excellent  for  hives 
and  croup  among  children.  The  onion  bruised  and  mix- 
ed with  or  stewed  in  lard,  is  one  of  the  best  external  ap- 
plications in  the  world  for  croup,  colds,  sore  throat,  phth- 
isic, &c.  The  throat  should  be  a-nnointed  and  well  rubbed 
with  it  "in  the.  above  cases?  When  taken  in  any  reasona- 
ble time,  the  juice  taken  internally,  and  the  bruised  onions 
mixed  with  or  stewed  in  lard,  applied  externally^  rarely 
tails in  giving  relief  even  in  very  obstinate  cases,  and  this 
mode' of  treatment  has  proved  successful  where  other  rem- 
edies prescribed  by  physicians  of  his:h  standing,  appeared 
to  have  but  little  effect.  Persons  afflicted  with  liver  com- 
plaint, will  derive  much  benefit  from  the' daily  use  of  this 
root  as  food.  It  is  said  that  a  gill  pf  the  red  onion  juice 
taken  morning  and  evening,  a  hal^hour  after  taking  each 
dose  drink  a  pint  of  b.orsemint  tea,  .will  entirely  cure  grav- 
el and  dropsy.  The  onion  poultice  applied  to  the  feet  in 
nervous  fever,  and  acute  diseases,  is  an  excellent  applica- 
tion to  produce  a  revulsion  from,  the  head;  it  is  also- a 
good  application  to  the  throat  and  breast,,  in  colds,  where 
the  throat  arid  breast  is  much  affected. 


LINCHEN  OR  LUNGWORT. 

This  is  a  thin  skin  or  shell,  which  grows  on.the  bark  of 
the  white-oak  tree,  and  is  thought  to  bear  some  resem- 
blance to  the.  .lungs,  frorri  which  it  has  talien  the  name  of 
Lung-Wort. 

A  strong  decoction  of  this  article  made  into  a  syrrnp 
with  honjey,  taken  in  gill  doses,  several  times  a  dav,  is? 


273  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 


good  for  whooping-cough.     It  is' also  valuable  in  consump- 
tion and  other  diseases  attended  with  a  cough., 

WHITE  fiOAEftOUND. 

This  is  a  well  known  plant,  the  leaves  are  remarkably 
bitter  and  unpleasant  to  the  taste.  A  syrrup  made  by  ad- 
ding to  "a  quart  of  the  decoction,  a  pint  of  honey,  and  sim- 
mering it  over  a  slow  fire'ohe  hour,  is  good  for  hoarseness, 
colds,  coughs,  and  breast -complaints. 

HYSSOP.— {Hyssopus.) 

This  is  a  well  known  garden  herb,  and  a  tea  of  it  is 
good  in  fevers  and  in  most  inflammatory  cases  for  sweat- 
ing; it  is  also  good  to  bring  on  a  regular  flow  of  the  men- 
ses. A  syrup  made  of  the  strong  decoction  of  expressed 
juice,  mixed  with  honey,  is  "a  most  pleasant  and  valuable 
expectorant,  useful  in  all  cases  where  expectorants  are 
needed,  as  in  colds,  coughs,  asthma,  and  other  diseases  of 
the  breast  and  lungs,  accompanied  with  inflammatory 
symptoms.  In  tea  or  decoction,  it  is  a  mild  and  pleasant 
drink. 


TAR. 

The  common  Tar  which  is  obtained  from  the  rich  pine 
roots  or  knots  of  the  common  pine  tree  of  this  country,  is 
one  of  the  most  valuable  expectorants  in  the  world.  The 
water  of  tar,  is  a  valuable  drink  for  persons  afflicted  with 
consumption  or  breast  complaints.  Tar  is  a  principle  in- 
gredient for  consumption,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  treat- 
ment of  that  disease.  The  tar  plaster  is  a  valuable  ex- 
ternal application  to  scald-head,  tetter- worm,  stone-bruise 
and  full  or  ill-conditioned  sores  or  ulcers,  also  for  inflamed 
sores. 


MAIDEN  FERN,  MAIDEN  HAIR,  SPLEEN  WORT. 

This  weed  grows  mostly  on  stony,  shady  bluffs,  to  the 
height  of  from  six  to  ten  inches,  stem  slender,  smooth,  e- 
rect,  of  a  dark  black  or  purple  color;  the  leaves  grow  in 
the  same  manner  of  those  of  the  highland  Fern,  they  are 
fine,  soft,  and  of  a  pale  green  or  yellowish  color. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  274 

An  infusion  of  this  plant,  made  by  pouring  a  quart  of 
boiling  water  on  the  dry  herb,  sweeteried  with  honey,  is 
valuable  for  coughs  and  diseases  of  the  breast  generally; 
also  for  acrid  humors,  and  irregularities  of  the  menses.— 
Persons  afflicted  with  the  liver  complaint  will  derive  great 
benefit  from  its  daily  use.  It  may  be  prepared  as  above 
directed,  and  taken  in  tea- cupful, doses  several  times  a 
day,  or  combined  with  other  articles. 

LIVER    WORT. 

This  little  plant  is  so  well  known  as  "to  render  a  des- 
cription unnecessary.  It  is  expectorant  and  diaphoretic, 
it  also  acts  on  the  liver.  Persons  laboring  under  a  diseas- 
ed liver  will  derive  a  great  advantage  from  its  use.  The 
proper  mode  of  using  it  is  a  tea  of  the  leaves. 


[oO-NA-KAH-OH-TSE-LUR-SKEEE.l 

MILK- WEED,    MILK- WORT. 

This  herb  is  found  mostly  in  stubble  lands.     The  root  is 

about  the   thickness  of  a  goose-quill  or  some  thicker. 

There  are  two  kinds,  white  and  black,  they  cannot  be  dis- 
tinguished by  the  top,  but  by  the  root  alone,  they  both  pos- 
sess the  same  medical  proprieties.  Its  stem  rises  from 
two  to  four  feti  high,  leaves  small,  of  a  beautiful  green 
color,  flowers  white. 

The  root  is  the  part  used.     In  tea,  decoction,  or  powders 
it  is  a  good  expectorant,  it  is  also  cathartic  when  taken  in 
large  doses;  but  it  cannot  be   recommended  for  a  purge 
being  too  severe  and  drastic.     It  forms    an  ingredient  in 
the  aiiti-billious  pills". 


CIi&§§  No.  IX. 


ANTISPASMODICS  AND  NERVINES. 
Antispasmodics  are  a  class  of  medicines  employed  to 


275  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH, 

prevent  or  relive  spasms  of  every  kind.     Nervines  acton 
the  same  principle,  though  in  a  less  powerful  degree. 

FIT-ROOT,  ICE-PLANT.—  {Monhiropa  Uiufiora) 

This  plant  grows  in  the  woods  of  the  western  country, 
generally  to  the  height  of  six  or  seven  inches.  It  is  a  most 
singular  plant  in^ts  appearance,  several  stalks  spring  up 
from  the  same  root  and  turn  white  in  September;  the 
stalk  is  like  frozen  jelly,  and  when  held  in  the  hand  dissol- 
ves like  ice. 

The  root  is  the  part  used;  pulverized  and  given  to  chil- 
dren it  has  proved  beneficial  in  curing  fits.  Either  used 
alone  or  combined  with  antispasmodics  it  is  useful  in  epi- 
lepsy and  convulsions.  Dose,  half  a  tea-spoonful  of  the 
pulverized  root  every  half  hour  until  relief  is  obtained. — 
The  expressed  juice  mingled  with  water,  is  a  good  wash 
for  sores  eyes. 

[oH-TAH-LE-GAH-LE.} 

GINSENG. — {Panax  Quinquefolium.) 

The  root  is  called  by  the  people  general!}-,  San  or  Gin- 
sang,  though  improperly.  It  is  found  in  great  plenty  a- 
inong  the  hills  and  mountains  of  Tennessee,  mostly  on  the 
r.crthside  of  rich  shady  hills  and  ridges.  A  few  years 
since  the  root  of  this  plant  was  exported  to  China,  where  it 
was  sold  for  four  times  its  weight  in  pure  silver,  and  in 
:  "734,  the  price  at  Pekin,  is  said  to  have  been  eight  or 
nine  times  its  weight  in  pure  silver.  The  chinese  attrib- 
uted great  virtues  to  this  root — thev  considered  it  as  a 
sovereign  remedy  in  all  diseases  incidental  to  their  cli- 
mate and  country, and  had  no  confidence  in  any  medicine 
that  was  not  combined  with  it;  thousands  of  lives  were 
lost  among  the  poor  (as  they  superstitiously  believed)  for 
the  want  of  it.  The  stalk  is  smooth,  growing  from  twelve 
to  eighteen  inches  high,  divided  at  the  top  into  three  bran- 
!  lies,  each  branch  bearing  five  leaves.  Its  leaves  are  ob- 
long, broadest  towards  the  outer  end  and  indented  on  the 
edge;  its  flowers  are  small  and  white,  succeeded  by  a  large 
red  berry,  root  spindled-shaped,  of  a  yellowish  color.  It 
is  also  good  for  weakly  females  and  for  weakness  of  t&e- 
womb,  and  nervous  affections,  convulsions,  patsy,  vesti- 


• 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  276 

go  and  dysentery.     In  these  last  named  cases  it  may  be 
taken  in  spirits  if  preferred. 


.  [cOOK-QUEH-00-I.AH-  STT-LOW.  J 

MOCCASIN  ¥hOWm.~{Cyiripediam  Luteum ) 
The  whites  have  a  great  many  names  for  this  plant' 
such  as  Valerian,  Lady-Slipper,  Urobil,&c.  It  is  said  to 
grow  in  every  State  in  the  Union,  and  in  all  kinds  of  soil. 
Several  varieties  of  this  plant  are  found,  some  smooth  and 
some  rough  or  hairy.  From  one  to  four  or  five  stems  put 
up  from  the  same  root,  and  grow  from  one  to  two  and  a 
half  feet  high,  bearing  each  from,  three  to  seven  leaves 
which  grow  out  alternate,  sheathing  the  stem.  The  leaves 
have  many  nerves  or  fibres  running  through  them,  giV 
ing  them  a  rough  uneven  appearance.  The  flower*  in 
shape  resembles  a  moccasia.  The  root  is  of  a  pale  yel- 
low or  brownish  color,.having  a  large  cluster  of  l'on°-  round" 
crooked  fibres  growing  in  a  mat. 

The  roots  are  the  only  part  oftMs  plant  used  as  med- 
icine, and  should  be  gathered  in  the  fall,  when  the  top  be- 
gins to  die,  or  iin  the  spring,,  when  it  first  puts,  up.     It  is  a 
most  excellent  nervine  and  antispasmodic,    useful   in  all 
cases  of  nervous  irritation,   spasms,  fits  hysterical  affec- 
tions, &c.  It  acts  admirably  well  as  an  anodyne  in  reliev- 
ing pains,  quieting  the  nerves,  &c.     Its  effects  on  the  hu- 
man system,  in  quieting  the  nerves,  and  relieving  spasms 
are  superior  to  those  produced  by  opium  while  it  does  not ' 
produce  any  of  the  narcoctic  or  stupiffing  effects  of  that 
drug.  Dose  a  table-spoonful  of  the  pulverized  root,  repeated 
as    often    as  the  case  requires  it— it  may  be   combined 
with  other  medicines,  and  all  act  equally  well  in    allaying 
and  keeping  down  nervous  irritation,  or  when  used  alone  • 
this  is  one  great  advantage,  for  its  treating  disease,    it  is 
often  necessary  to  givesuch  medicines  as  produce  nervous 
irritation,  which  difficulty  may   easily  be  overcome    by 
combining  with  such   medicines  a  portion  of  the  Moc'asin 
tiower  root.     When  gathered,  it  should  be   well    washed 
and  dried,  then  pulverized,  and  kept  in  well  corked    bot- 
tles, or  it  will  loose  part  of  its  virtues. 

CHAMOMILE— (ibtf&emw  Nobiles.) 
The  Chamomile  is  cultivedin  tke  gardens  of  this  eoun- 


277  INDi  ^N  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH-* 

trv  for  family  medi  foe,  and  is  too  well  known  to  require 
r- description.  Its  fi,  wers  have  a  strong,  aromatic  smell, 
'though  not  unpleasant;  they  have  a  veft  fitter  nauseous 

^strono- decoction  or  tea  made  of  tbe Sower  or  herb  is 
o-ood  in  female  obstructions,  hysterical  affections  colics, 
vomiting  bowel  complaints  attended  with  much  pain, 
and  nervous  irritation;  it  is  also  a  good  stomachic  or  tome 
bitter.  It  is  excellent  in  poultices  tor  obstinate  and  foul 
ulcers,  hard  swellings,  &c. 

[TE-SO-aUAH-LA-GAH.?t 

BLUE-BERRY— (Caulophytlvm  Thalictroides.) 

This  plant  has  many  names  among  the  whites,  such  as 
blue-cohash,  pappoose  roots,  &c.  Its  stem  is  upright 
Straight  smooth  and  divided  at  the  top  in  two  or  three 
branches;  each  bears  three  leaves,  in  the  centre  of  which 
erow  out  its  flowers,  (their  color  not  remembered,)  they 
are  succeded  by  dark  blue-berries,  which  enclose  a  hard 
Mfbne  or  «eed.  The  root  is  yellow  inside,  brown  outside, 
hard  and  irregular,  having  many  small  fibres 

The  root  is  the  part  used,  and  is  perfectly  safe,  and  harm- 
less in  its  effects  on  the  system,  it  may  be  employed  in  de- 
coction, tincture  or  syrup,  and  is  valuable  in  every ^  spe- 
cies of  fits  hysterics,  collies  and  nervous  irritaratum  gen- 
erally It'is'a  most  excellent  medicine  for  females  in 
promoting  child-birth,  and  allaying  inflamation,  and  in 
preventing  mortification  of  the  womb.  Pregnant  women 
should  use ?  this  root  for  two  or  three  weeks  previous  tc 
the  expected  time  of  child-birth,  by  this  means  that  pamfu. 
event  will  be  rendered  comparatively  easy  and  sale. 

CATNIP—  {Nepeta  Caiaria.) 
Catnip  is  a  well  known  herb,  and  needs  no  description 
A  tea  or  decoction  of  this  plant  is  good  for  fema  e  obstrue 
tions,  hysterics,  Worms,  spasms,  colics  and  the  like,  it* 
a  valuable  external  application  in  poultice  to  swel hngM- 
The  bruised  leaves  steeped  in  vinegar,  applied  ext email, 
is  -ood  to  ally  inflammation,  reduce  painful  swellings,  &c. 
A  syrup  made  by  adding  a  pint  of  honey  to  a  strong  de- 
coction of  catnip  is  good  for  coughs  and  colds  which  affec 
the  lungs. 


INDIAiN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH-  278 

ASAFCETIDA. 

The  article  commonly  known  in  this  country  by  the 
name  of  asafaetida  is  the  resinous  gum  obtained  from  the 
roots  of  a  plant,  that  is  a  native  of,  and  grows  spontane- 
ously in  the  mountains,  of  Persia,  and  is  technically,  called 
Ferula  Asafcetida.     Il  has  a  strong,  unpleasant  smell,  and 
a  bitter,  acrid,  biting  taste.     That  is  reckoned  the  best 
which  is  of  a  clear  or  pale  reddish  color,  variegated  with 
a  number  of  white  pustules,  like  tears.     Its  action  on  the 
system  is  both  quick  and  powerful,  generally  affecting 
speedy  relief  in  spasms,  cramps,  flatulence- aud  Hysterical 
affections.     In  all  spasmodic  affections   whichi  are  pro- 
duced by  a  torpid  or  inactive  state  of  the  bowels  it  is  a, 
most  excellent  remedy.     It  sometimes  relieves  whooping- 
cough  and  asthma,  its  action,  on  the  system  is  similar  to 
that  of  garlic,  though  much  more  active  and  powerful.     It 
is  stimulant  and  expectorant.,  and  in  some  instances  an- 
swers well  as.  a  worm  medicine.     Such  as  are  troubled 
with  frequent  attacks  of  colic,  may  rid  themselves  of  the 
return  of  this  painful  complaint  by  making  daily  use  of 
this  article  in  spirits,.taken  one  or  two  drams  a  day,  as  bit- 
ters.    Sucking  infants  whose  mothers  make  a  free  use  of 
this  bitter,  are  agt  to  grow  much  faster  and  enjoy  much 
better  health,  than  the  children  whose  mothers  use  no  such 
bitters;  such  children  are  seldom  troubled  with  colic  or 
pains  in  the  stomach,  they  have  little  or  no  use  for  lauda- 
num, Bateman*s  drops,  paregoric,  and  such  like  prepara- 
tions, it  may  be  given  to  children  by  dissolving  it  in  water. 

It  may  be  administered  to  grown  persons  in  tincture,  in 
pills,  or  dissolved  in  water;  if  taken  in. pills,  one  pill  of  the 
common  size  should  be  taken  at  a  time,  and  repeated  as  of- 
ten as  circumstances  require  it;. if  the  tincture  is  to  be  used, 
from  a  half  to  a  whole  tea-spoonful  is  the  proper  quantity, 
to  be  repeated  at  intervals  of  a  half  hour  until  relief  is  ob- 
tained. 

A  sufficient  quantity  of  this  article  put  in  whiskey  to 
s»ake  it  a  proper  strength  for  bitters  is  one  of  the  best 
family  bitters  it  the  world.. 


279  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

CLASS    NO.  X. 


ANTISEPTICS. 

Antiseptics  are  a  class  of  medicines  that  are  used  to  pre- 
sent mortification  from  taking  place,  or  remove  it  after  it 
has  taken  place.  The  articles  ot  this  class,  furnished  by 
the  vegetable  kingdom,  are  both  numerous  and  valuable, 
and  are  far  more  active  and  efficient,  than. any  thing  yet 
known  in  the  mineral  kingdom.  It  would  be  a  very  strange 
sight  indeed,  to  see  the  red  man  of  the  forest,  maimed  with 
the  loss  of  a  limb  to  prevent  mortification.  Their  knowl- 
edge of  the  active  antiseptic  properties  of  the  herbs,  roots, 
and  plants  of  the  forest,  render  such  painful  operations  un- 
necessary. They  have  but  to  resort  to  the  woods,  gather, 
apply  and  be  healed. 

[tah-wah-tsi-luh.] 
SLIPPERY  ELM.— {L'lmus  Albus.) 

The  white  or  slippery-elm  is  a  well  known  tree  of  the 
American  forest,  and  America  produces  no  tree  superior 
to  it  for  medical  purposes. 

The  inside  bark  is  the  part  used.  As  a  poultice  nothing 
is  superior,  particularly  to  old  sores,  burns,  and  wounds. 
either  fresh  wounds  or  such  as  have  become  inflamed. — 
The  application  of  the  elm  poultice  to  fresh  wounds  or 
burns  will,  in  almost  all  cases,  be  followed  by  a  discharge 
of  matter.  When  there  is  any  appearance  of  mortifica- 
tion, the  bark  should  be  pounded,  and  boiled  in  water  and 
made  into  a  poultice,  and  applied  cool.  Taken  internally 
it  is  cooling,  and  soothing  to  the  stomach  and  bowels.  It 
is  an  aperient  or  mild  laxative,  and  may  be  used  to  great 
advantage  by  pregnant  women  that  are  troubled  with 
heart-burn;  in  dysentery  and  chronic  bowel  complaints,, 
there  is  nothing  better  than  the  slippery-elm  jelly,  made- 
by  pouring  hot  water  on  the  inside  bark.  Wher  3  there  are 
symptoms  of  inflammation  in  the  stomach  or  bowels,  this 
jelly  should  be  used  freely  as  injections  and  by  the  mouth, 
this  mucilage  or  jelly  is  very  nutritive,  and  will  answer 
admirably  as  nourishment  for  those  who  have  been  borught 
very  low  by  acute  disorders.     It  is  good  for  dyspepsy  or  in- 


INDIAN  GUIBE  TO  HEALTH.  280 

digestion,  quinsies,  colds,  catarrhs,  coughs,  consumptions. 
It  is  a  certain  and  astonishing  remedy  in  all  bowel  and 
breast  complaints,  and  may  be  freely  administered  to 
(children  with  the  happiest  effects. 


[e-tas-hah.] 
LYNN    TREE. 


The  Lynn  is  a  native  of  America,  and  is  found  in  almost 
every  part,  growing  mostly  in  rich  bottoms.  Its  wood  i» 
very  soft,  white  and  juicy.  The  inside  bark  and  twiggs  are 
the  parts  used:  they  afford  <a  rich,  well-tasted  jelly,  but 
little,  if  any,  inferior  to  the  slippery-elm  bark.  It  is  a  moit 
excellent  article  for  pregnant  women  that  are  troubled 
with  heart-burn,  weak  stomach  and  bowels.  The  jelly 
made  by  boiling  the  inside  bark  or  twiggs,  is  good  for 
coughs,  consumptions,  and  in  fact  all  cases  where  the  elm 
is  recommended,  both  for  external  and  internal  use.  When 
the  stomach  has  been  over  heated  by  the  too  free  use  of 
spirituous  liquors,  it  is  a  most  excellent  remedy. 

SHEEP  SORREL,  WILD  SORREL. 

(Rumex  Acetosella.) 

This  is  a  well  known  plant,  growing  in  the  woods  and 
shady  places,  in  every  part  of  the  country;  its  leaves  and 
blossoms  have  a  very  pleasant,  though  extremely  sour  or 
acid  taste. 

The  leaves  and  blossoms  bruised  and  applied  to  old  foul 
sores,  have  affected  some  wonderful  cures,  after  many  oth- 
er applications  had  been  tried  to  little  or  no  purpose;  it  is 
very  active  and  powerful  in  allaying  inflammation,  and 
producing  a  healthy  discharge  from  the  sore  or  wound,  it  is 
an  excellent  antiseptic  and  may  be  advantageously  em- 
ployed in  all  cases  where  articles  of  this  class  are  needed. 


[oO*STAK-KAH-YAH-TUH-TSE-SKEE.] 

GREEN  PLANTAIN.— {Plantago  Major.) 

This  plant  grows  in  great  abundance  in  most  parts  of 
this  country,  about  yards,  barns,  and  in  fence  corners. 

The  leaves  bruised  and  applied  to  sores,  inflamed 
wounds,  bruises  and  tfee  like,  is  good  to  reduce  the  inflam- 


281  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO,  HEALTH* 

mation  ami-produce  a  disposition  to  heal.  The  tea, taken 
internally,  and  the  bruised  leaves  or  expressed  juice  ap- 
plied externally,  is  an  excellent  remedy  for  poisonous 
bites  and  stings — if  applied  immediately  after  being  bit  by 
a  snake,  and  the  tea  drank  freely,  it  will  in  most  cases  give 
entire  relief  without  the  aid  of  further  remedies.  The  tea 
or  decoction  is  good  for  boweLcomplaints,  and  bloody  urine, 
it  should  be  drank  freely,  there  being  no  danger  whatever 
in  it.     The  expressed  juice  is  good  for  sore  eyes. 


[CAH-TO-YAH-STEE.] 

BEAR'S    FOOT 


This  plant  is  found  in  most  parts  of  theJJnited  States. 
but  is  most  abundant  in  the  middle,  southern  and  western 
states.  The  root  is  blackish  without,  and  whitish  within, 
resembling  in  size  and  shape,  a  small  sweet  potatoe;  they 
grow  several  small  roots  from  one  main  root  or  head,  in  a 
manner  similar  to  the  sweet  potatoe,  from  which  head, 
spring  up  several  stems,  or  stalks,  close  together,  growing 
from  five  to  six  feet  high;  leaves  are  about  the  size  of  a 
man's  hand,,  but  in  shape  they  resemble  a  bear's  foot, 
whence  it  has  received  the  name  of  Bear's  Foot. 

A  poultice  made  of  the  root  of  this  plant,  is  very  good 
to  scatter  healings,  and  allay  inflammations.  The  bruis- 
ed root  applied  to  burns,  will  extract  the  fire  and  give  re- 
lief. It  forms  an  ingredient  in  a  very  valuable  salve,  made 
as  follows :  Take  of  sheep's  tallow,  fresh  butter,  and  a 
small  quantity  of  beeswax,  melt  them  together,  to  which 
add  the  bruised  root  of  bear's  foot,  a  small  quantity  of 
sweet  gum  rosin,  and  pine  rosin,  also  the  bruised  root  of 
heart  leaves,  stew  them  welltogether  and  strain  for  use. 
This  salve  will  be  found  good  for  cuts,  burns,  &c.  An 
oil  made  by  stewing  the  bruised  root  of  tliis  plant  in  fresh 
butter  or  sweet  oil,  is  good  for  ear-ache,  it  will  give  relief 
in  some  cases  of  pained  joints,  the  ointment  should  be  ap- 
plied to  the  pained  part,  and  bathed  in  with  a  warm  iron. 
The  root  infused  in  spirits  forms  a  valuable  bitter  for 
rheumatism.  This  root  is  said  by  some  authors  to  possess 
the  property  of  curing  the  white  swelling.  We  have  nev- 
er tried  it  in  white  swelling,  but  we  have  cured  cases  of 
white  swelling,  where  it  had  been  perseveringly  applied, 
and  had  utterly  failed  to  do  any  good  whatever.     We 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  282 

*3eem  it  a  very  good  poultice  for  inflammations  of  the  skin 
and  flesh,  but  wholly  useless  in  diseases  of  the  bone,  or  the 
membrane  which  covers  it.  The  bruised  root  stewed  in 
hog's  lard,  gives  relief  in  some  cases  of  itch. 


[oO-NUH-TSA-THU-TSI-KEE.] 

YELLOW-DOCK,  NARROW  DOCK. 

{Rumex  Crispus.) 

Dock  is  a  well  known  plant  growing  about  barn-yard&v 
an  fence  corners,  and  about  houses.  There  are  two  kinds, 
•commonly  distinguished  as  the  wide  and  narrow  Dock. — g 
They  possess  similar  medicinal  virtues,  the  narrow  is  gen- 
erally thought  to  be  the  best.  The  root  taken  internally,, 
in  tea  or  bitters,  is  aperient,  and  an  excellent  corrector  of 
the  fluids.  The  bruised  root  made  into  a  poultice,  is  a  most 
excellent  application  to  old  sores  or  ulcers,  hard  tumors 
and  inflamed  parts.  The  root  bruised  and  stewed  in  hog's 
lard,  is  useful  in  curing  eruptions  of  the  skin,  itch,  &c. — 
Drinking  a  tea  of  the  bruised  root  while  applying  the  a- 
bove  ointment,  will  greatly  facilitate  the  cure.  The  roots 
and  seeds  made  into  decoction,  are  good  for  dysentery,  and 
bowel  complaints  generally.  The  expressed  juice  of  the 
root  applied  twice  a  day  for  a  length  of  time,  will  seldom 
fail  to  cure  ring  or  tetter- worm. 


f«     [CUJS-STAH-TSE.^-; 

SASSAFRAS — (Laurus  Sassafras.) 

This  is  a  well  known  tree,  in  most  parts  of  the  Union, 
The  root  in  a  strong  decoction,  or  infused  in.  spirits,.taken 
moderately,  is  excellent  to  purify  the  blood,  where,  acri- 
mony of  the  blood  exists — it  is  also  good  in  diseases  of  the 
skin.  It  has  often  be,en  sucessfully  used  in  rheumatisir; 
for  this  purpose,  drink  freely  of  the  tea,  and  bathe  the  af- 
fected parts  in  tea  of  the  same,  until  a  high, state  of  perspi- 
ration is  produced,  then  wrap  up  warm  in  a  blanket  and 
cool  off  by  degrees.  The  tea  is  a  good  drink  in  venereal. 
The  root,  bark  and  flowers,,  make  a  very  pleasant  and 
wholesome  tea  when  taken  in  moderate  quantities,  but 
when  drank  to  excess,  it  produces  weakness  and  debility., 
A  valuable  ague  pill  is  made  by  boiling  the  sassafras  and 
niullen  leaves  to  a  strong  decoction,  then  straining  it,,and . 


283  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

reducing  it  by  slow  boiling  to  the  consistence  of  wax*  of 
a  proper  thickness  to  make  into  pills.  Dose:  three  or  four 
pills  morning  and  night. 

A  strong  decoction  of  this  root  thickened  with  wheat 
bran  or  meal,  and  applied  to  inflamed  wounds,  or  sores  of 
any  kind,  will  act  powerfully  in  allaying  the  inflamma- 
tion, and  preventing  mortification.  The  bark,  or  pith,  ta- 
ken from  the  ste  m  or  trunk,  and  steeped  in  cold  water,  is 
a.  cooling  and  a  very  pleasant  wash,  for  sore  eyes. 

[TSO-LAH-E-YOU-STEE-TUH-LO-NE-GA-AH.] 

MULLEN— <  Verbascwn.) 

The  mullen  is  a  very  common  and  well  known  plant, 
and  therefore  needs  no  description. 

The  leaves  boiled  in  sweet  milk  area  valuable  remedy 
for  bowel  complaints,  particularly  among  children.  The 
leaves  dried  and  pulverized,  and  applied  to  proud  or  fun- 
gous flesh,  will  destroy  it.  The  leaves  stewed  in  fresh 
butter,  make  a  valuable  ointment  for  the  rectum,  or  gut, 
in  case  of  the  piles.  The  doction  of  the  leaves  is  good  to 
allay  inflammation,  and  reduce  swellings;  for  this  purpose, 
bathe  the  affected  part  with  the  decoction,  then  make  a 
poultice  with  the  same  and  apply;  this  treatment  should  be 
followed  until  relief  is  obtained. 


INXJIAN  BALM— {Trillium  Latifolium.) 

This  plant  has  a  short,  thick,  perennial  root,  resembling 
the  Indian  turnip;  it  is  wrinkled,  of  a  brown  color,  giving 
out  many  small  fibres;" the  stem  is  smooth,  erect,  and  grows 
from  four  to  eight  inches  high.  The  leaves  are  oval,  three 
in  a  wliori,  growing  at  the  top  of  the  stem;  it  bears  one 
flower  on  the  stem  above  the  leaves.  The  flower  is  bell- 
shaped,  varying  in  color,  according  to  the  species,  as  red. 
white,  purple;  all  possessing  the  same  medical  qualities: 
the  flower  is  sweetened  by  a  small  berry  that  contains  the 
seed.  A  decoction  of  the  loot  of  this  plant  is  very  good 
for  profuse  menstruation  or  flooding  among  females;  it  is 
useful  in  all  kinds  of  hemorrhages,  coughs,  asthma,  and 
bowel  complaints.  The  pulverized  root  maj  be  given  in 
hot  water,  if  prepared. 

A  poultice  made'  of  this  root  is  good  to  prevent  mortifi- 
cation, and  it  will  be  a  valuable  application  to  putrid  ul- 
cers, tumors,  and  inflamed  parts. 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  284 

^Geo-tlah.] 
B  U  C  K    T  R  E  E. 

The  beach  i&  a  native  of  North  America,  and  grows  in 
great  abundance  in  most  parts  of  the  United  States.  It  is 
so  generally  and  so  well  kaown,  that  the  inhabitants  of 
this  continent  would  laugh  to  see  a  description  of  it.  It 
is  one  of  the  greatest  ornaments  of  the  American  forest, 
as  well  as  one  of  the  most  powerful  antiseptics  known. — 
The  principal  use  made  of  it,  is  in  the  form  of  poultices, 
made  by  thickening  a  strong  decoction  of  the  bark  or 
leaves  with  wheat  bran,  rye  or  corn  meal;  it  is  good  in 
all  inflamed  wounds,  healings,  ulcers,  &c,  the  part  should 
be  well  bathed  ever}' twelve  hours  in  the  decoction,  and 
the  poultice  made  and  applied  as  above  directed.  It  is  a- 
mong  the  best  applications  that  can  be  made  to  an  in- 
flamed or  bealed  breast. 


[Tae-yah-ta.] 

POKE-WEED.— (Phytolucca  Kecandria.) 

The  poke-weed  is  found  in  great  abundance  throughout 
the  United  States,  growing  in  any  kind  of  rich  land.  Its 
root  is  perennial;  it  is  large,  generally  branching,  covered 
with  a  very  thin,  brownish  bark.  Several  stemsspringup 
from  the  same  root,  growing  very  large,  at  first  green,  af- 
terwards turning  purple.  It  is  one  of  the  most  grand,  bold 
and  beautiful  looking  herbs  in  America,  when  filled  with 
ripe  berries.  The  roots  and  berries  have  been  employed 
with  the  best  effects  In  old  or  chronic  rheumatism.  Tru- 
sound  ripe  berries  put  into  spirits  with  a  little  sulphur  ad- 
ded, is  a  most  valuable  bitter  for  the  rheumatism;  it  should 
be  taken  in  drams  three  times  a  day.  A  poultice  made  of 
the  roasted  root  is  an  excellent  application  to  the  feet  in 
the  last  stages  of  nervous  fever  and  acute  disorders:  -it  is 
also  good,  applied  to  ulcers,  swellings,  and  rheumatic 
joints.  A  poultice  made  by  thickening  a  strong  decoction, 
of  the  poke  and  buck-eye  roets,  with  rye  meal  or  wheat 
bran,  is  the  best  poultice  for  white  swelling  with  which  I 
am  acquainted,  as  is  fully  shown  under  that  head.  The 
poke  root  is  the  principal  ingredient  in  Turk's  rheumatic 
oi  ntment.  The  expressed  j  uice  dried  in  the  sun  to  the  con- 
sistence of  a  salve,  forms  a  good  plaster  for  cancers,  and 
^ulcerous  ulcers. 


235  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

BUCK-EYE. 

This  is  a  well  known  tree  in  all  parts  of  the  U.  States 
where  I  have  been  and  thought  to  notice  for  it.  The  bark 
of  the  root  boiled  to  a  strong  decoction  and  thickened  to  a; 
poultice,  is  a  very  excellent  application  to  inflamed  parts, 
such  as  white  swellings,  sprains,  tumors,  &c.  The  only 
use  we  make  of  it  is  in  poultices;  taken  internally  it  is  poi- 
sonous, but  as  a  poultice  it  is.  a  most  excellent  article  to. 
extract  the  fever  and  prevent  mortification. 

[ee-le-yer-say-his-tee.} 
BLACK  SARSAPARILLA. 

The  black  Sarsaparilla  differs  very  much,  both  in  ap- 
pearance and  medical  properties  from  the  white  or  yellow 
Sarsaparilla  :  the.  root  is  somewhat  larger  and  of  a  dark- 
er color  than  the  white. .or  yellow  Sarsaparilla.  The  vine 
is  of  an  ash  color,  climbing  hushes  or  saplings  that  ma}r  be 
tin  its  way.  Its  leaves  resemble  the  leaves  of  the  apple 
tree  :  the  root  is  the  part  for  use,  and  should  not  be  taken 
internally,  as  it  might  produce  some  unpleasant  symp- 
toms: the  onlj^use.we  make  of  it  is  in  decoction,  used  as  a 
bathe  for  the  feet  and  legs,  of  persons  addicted  to  swelling 
in  those  parts.  It  will  allay  the  inflammation,  and  as- 
suage the  swelling  in  a  short  time,  if  properly   attended  to,f 


SPRUCE  PINE. 

This  species  of  pine  has  somewhat  the  appearance  of 
the  common  Pine  of  the  forest,  and  also  of  the  cedar.  The 
leaves  grow  in  broad,  flat  fans  or  bats.  Its  seeds  or  ber- 
ries are  nearly  like  cedar  berries  to  look  at;  they  have  a 
pungent,  acid,  bitterish,  aromatic  taste.  A  strong  decoc- 
tion made  of  the  bark  or  leaves,  and  made  into  a  syrup,  is 
good  for  pregnant  women  that  are  troubled  with  a  cough; 
it  is  also  a  good  drink  for  catarrh  or  ulcer  of  the  lungs.  A 
strong  decoction  of  the  inner  bark  drank  warm,  is  a  very 
good  sweating  medicine  in  chronic  rheumatism.  The 
berries  infused  inspirits,  is  good  for  ciuronic  rheumatism, 
and  in  venereal  diseases.  A  fomentation  of  the  Spruce 
Pine,  is  a  good  application  to  the  swelled  testacies,  caus- 
ed by  the  mumps,  and  also  the  swelled  breasts  of  females,, 
produced  by  the  same  ;cause.  'It  is  astringent,  and  stijnu- . 


INDIXN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  286 

iant  or  tonic.     The  oil,  or -essence  is   useful  in  colds,  and 
externally  in  bathing  preparations  for  pained  joints. 

[ge-gah-ga-ah-tse-lur-skee.] 
SWAMP  LILLY. 

The  Swamp  Lilly  is  a  well  known  plant,  growing  in 
swamps  and  marshy  places — sometimes  about  springs. — 
The  root  is  the  part  used;  bruised  and  boiled  in  water,  and 
thickened  in  mealor  wheat  bran,  is  an  excellent  poultice 
for  inflamed  wounds,  sores,  bealings,  &c. 


[yoh-nex-tsa-sto.] 

HIGHLAND  FERN. 

(Improperly  called  Highland  Ferrin.) 

This  plant  grows  in  great  abundance  in  many  parts  of 
the  Union,  and  is  generally  well  known.  It  has  a  dark 
perennial  root,  running  horizontally  in  the  ground,  and 
when  broken  it  is  very  mucillaginous.  Its  stem  is  smooth, 
green,  growing  from  one  to  two  feet  high,  dividing  at  the 
top*into  several  branches,  leaves  green,  growing  out  a- 
long  the  sides  of  the  branches,  similar  to  the  tanzy  leaves. 
The  whole  plant  has  a  beautiful  green  and  shiny  appear- 
ance. It  grows  mostly  on  hill  sides  and  on  uplands:  when 
the  top  is  tender  in  the  spring,  it  contains  a  mucilage  sim- 
ilar to  that  of  the  root. 

It  is  a  valuable  application  to  inflamed  swellings, 
v:  ounds,  &c.  There  are  several  modes  of  applying  it: — 
the  roots  may  be  washed  clean,  bruised,  and  mixed  with 
wheat  bran  and  cold  water,  to  the  consistence  of  a  poul- 
tice and  applied,  the  face  of  the  poultice  being  first  smear- 
ed with  sour  cream:  or  it  may  be  bruised,  boiled  and  thick- 
ened with  wheat  bran  and  applied  as  above  directed;  or, 
the  root  may  be  well  bruised-,  smeared  with  cream  and  ap- 
plied. It  makes  a  very  cooling  and  pleasant  poultice  in 
all  cases  where  there  is  inflammation.  I  use  it  a  great 
deal  in  the  treatment  of  white  swelling,  after  it  has  com- 
menced running,  and  still  continues  inflamed. 


BALSAM  OF  FIR,  OR  SILVER  FIR  TREE  OF 
AMERICA.— (Pinus  Balsamea.) 
This  tree  is  very  common  in  the  northern  climates;  it  is 


287  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH. 

also  found  in  great  plenty  about  the  west  end  of  Nortli 
Carolina,  and  east  end  of  Tennessee,  particularly  on  what 
are  called  the  Smoky  Mountains.  It  has  somewhat  the 
appearance  of  the  white  pine,  and  yields  a  most  valuable 
balsam,  which  exudes  from  the  tree  like  other  turpentine^ 
and  is  collected  for  medical  use.  When  fresh  it  is  almost 
transpatent  or  clear,  but  after  standing,  it  assumes  a  beau- 
tiful yellow  appearance,  and  looks  very  much  like  sweet 
oil.  It  is  known  by  the  name  of  Canada  Balsam,  or  Bal- 
sam of  Fir. 

It  is  a  valuable  remedy  for  complaints  ©fthe  breast  and 
lungs,  particularly  where  it  is  accompanied  with  pain^. 
soreness  or  cough.  Dose:  half  a  tea-spoonful  at  a  time*, 
twice  a  day.  It  is  good  for  females  afflicted  with  flours 
albus,  or  whites,  falling  of  the  womb,  weak  backs,  &c. — 
Also  for  venereal,  and  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs.  It 
is  apenent^or  loosens  the  bowels,,  and  cleanses  and  heals 
internal  ulcers. 

It  is  a  very  excellent  external  application  to  fresh 
wounds,  I  know  of  no  article  that  will  heal  a  fresh  wound 
quicker  than  this  balsam  applied  when  first  tied  up.  It  is 
also  a  good  application  to  ulcers,  old  sores,  and  the  like; 
it  forms  an  excellent  ingredient  in  healing  salves. 


WILD    INDIGO. 

The  wild  indigo  is  a  large  weed,  resembling  the  common 
Indigo.  A  decoction  of  the  leaves  given  in  large  doses  is 
a  good  puke,  in  smaller  doses  it  is  a  good  purge.  In  poul- 
tices or  fomentation,  it  is  to  allay  inflammation  and  stop 
mortification.     The  root  may  be  used  in  the  same  way. 


CHARCOAL,  OF  WOOD.--( Carlo  Lingi.) 

Charcoal  is  a  vegetable  production,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  valuable  and  innocent  medicines  we  possess.  Pre- 
pared Charcoal  is  one  of  the  most  powerful  antiseptics 
known  in  the  compass  of  medicine.  The  best  mode  of  pre- 
paring Charcoal  is  as  follows:  Take  the  common  Charcoal 
well  burnt  of  good  sound  green  wood,  (that  used  by  smiths 
will  answer  as  well  as  any,)  reduce  it  to  powder,  put  this 
into  a  vessel  that  can  be  tightly  covered,  raise  the  heat  un- 
der the  vessel  until  the  coal  becomes  red  hot,  then  take  off 
the  vessel  and  let  it  cool  with  the  lid  on.     When  the  Coal 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEATTH.  288 

Is  cool  enough,  put  it  into  bottles  for  use,  the- bottles  must 
be  kept  tightly  stopped  or  it  will  loose  part  of  its  virtues. 
It  is  a  valuable  article  taken  internally  for  dropsy  and  for 
costive  habits.  It  is  good  in  bowel  complaints  of  a  putrid 
nature.  For  internal  use,  great  care  should  be  taken  to 
pulverize  it  fine,  or  it  will  irritate  the  tender  surface  of  the 
bowels.  It  is  an  excellent  antiseptic  application  to  foul  and 
ill-conditioned  ulcers  and  mortifying  wounds  or  spres. 

VINEGAR. 

Vinegar  is  possessed  of  very  strong  antiseptic  powers; 
as  an  external  application,  it  is  used  to  moisten  antiseptic 
poultices,  It  is  successfully  employed  to  correct  the  putrid 
tendency  of  the  fluids  in  putrid  fevers,  &c-, 


CLASS  NO.  XI.. 


ANTHELMINTICS. 

Anthelmintics  are  a  class  of  medicines  used  to  destroy 
or  expel  worms. 

| _ 

THE  CHINA  TREE,— (Melia  Azendarach.) 

The  China  tree  is  a  native  of  Chma,.ancl  was  brought 
from  that  country  to  America,  and  is  now  the  common 
yard  tree  of  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  and  many  parts  of 
Alabama  and  Tennessee. 

The  bark,  and  especially  that  of  the  root,  is  one- of  the 
best  worm  medicines  in  the  world.  It  should  be  boited  to 
a  strong  tea  and  sweetened  to  a  syrup,  and  given  in  table- 
spoonful  doses  every  hour  untill  the  desired  effect  is  pro- 
duced. The  fruit  mashed  and  put  into  spirits  and  given  to 
ehildren  every  morning  before  eating  is  good  to  expel 
worms,  the  bark  or  bark  of  the  root  may  be  used  the  same 
way.     The  syrup  acts  well  in  removing  worm  feveis. 

The  pulp  of  the  fruit  stewed  in  lard  is  said  to  be  good 
for  scald-head,  ring  and  tetter-worm,  and  the  like. 


289  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HE  ALT  A, 

[OO-SUR-GA-AH-SOO-YER-TIMUH-WO.] 

JERUSALEM  OAK — (Chenopodium  Anthelmintic) 

This  plant  is  said  to  grow  in  every  State  in  the  Union, 
and  is  too  well  known  to  require  a  description. 

Every  part  of  this  plant  is  used  as  a  worm  medicine,  the 
roots,  leaves  and  seeds  are  the  best.  The  best  mode  of 
preparing  it  is  by  boiling  the  roots,  leaves  or  seeds,  in 
sweet  milk,  sweeten  it  with  honey  or  sugar,  a  table-spoon- 
ful of  this  to  be  given  before  eating,  morning,  noon,  night, 
and  at  bedtime  give  a  large  dose  of  castor  oil  or  American 
senna  to  work  it  off,  antibilious  pills  will  answer  quite 
well.  The  oil  of  this  plant  has  been  Ions:  considered  a 
valuable  medicine  to  expelworms,  but  the  decoction  in 
sweet  milk  is  in  my  "opinion  equally  good  if  not  better. 


[gee-Gah-ga-ah-tse-lur-skee.;] 
CAROLINA  PINK— {Spigelia  Marilancici.) 

This  plant  is  so  well  known  to  the  people  of  Tennessee, 
and  the  Carolinians,  as  to  render  a  description  of  it  al- 
most unnecessary.  Its  root  is  branched  and  very  librous, 
its  stem  is  smooth,  erect,  rising  from  one  to  two  feet  high, 
bearing  long,  smooth  and  oval  leaves,  outer  points  acute. 
The  whole  plant  may  be  used,  it  is  an  acute  vermifuge 
or  worm  medicine. 

The  most  common  mode  of  using  it,  and  as  good  a  plan 
as  any,  is  in  decoction,  about  two  ounces  of  the  plant  and 
root  together  When  green,  or  about  a  half  an  ounce  of  the 
dried  root,  put  into  a  quart  of  water,  and  boiled  until  tol- 
erable strong,  sweeten  it  well  and  to  a  child  from  six  to 
eight  years  old,  give  from  one  to  two  table-spoosnful  for  a 
dose,  repeated  three  times  a  day  until  relief  is  obtained. — 
Writers  on  this  subject,  appear  to  entertain  various  and 
contradictory  opinions;  some  esteem  it  as  a  gbb'd  medicine, 
while  others  pronounce  it  very  dangerous  indeed.  The 
Cherokees  have  no  idea  how  long  this  plant  has  been  em- 
ployed by  them  as  a  worm  medicine,  and  that  with  the 
happiest  effects.  It  possesses  strong  narcotic  or  stupify- 
ing  properties,  and  when  the  system  retains  it  too  long,  pro- 
duces very  alarming  effects  by  stupifying  the  child, swell- 
ing the  eyes  arm  enlarging  the  pupilsor  sights  of  the  eyes; 
for  the  above     reason,  it  is  better  t'o  administer  it  in 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  290 

large  than  in  small  doses,  it  acts  .well  on  the  bowels  as  a 
purge,  and  is  not  retained  so  long  in  the  system  as  when 
given  in  small  portions.  It  appears  reasonable,  that  it  must 
produce  this  sickening,  narcotie  effect  on  the  worms;  yet 
it  does  not  expel  or  cause  them  to  be  discharged,  and  by 
retaining  both  the  medicine  and  dead  cr  sick  worms  in 
the  bowels,  even  if  the  medicine  should  have  no  bad  effects 
medicinally,  all  retained,  together  would  certainly  excite 
fever,  and  produce  evil  consequences.  But  if  given  in 
large  quantities  it  first  acts  on  the  worms,  and  secondly 
expels  them  by  its  cathartic  powers.  And  even  should, 
you  employ  a  large  portion,  and  it  should  not  purge,  but 
act  on  the  eyes  of  the  patient  in  the  above  manner,  you 
have  only  to  discontinue  the  use  of  the  pink-root,  and  give 
castor  oil,  to  aid  it  in  passing  off.  If  the  fever  should  be- 
come high  and  the  symptoms  alarming,  aid  the  operation 
of  the  oil  by  injections,  and  feel  assured  that  the  evacua- 
tions of  the  contents  of  the  bowels  will  remove  every  unfa- 
vorable symptom,  in  a  very  short  time. 


WORM    WOOD 


This  plant  is  well  known  in  this  country,  being  gener- 
ally cultivated  in  gardens  for  its  medical  virtues.  The 
juice  of  the  plant,  sweetened  with  sugar,  or  honey,  admin- 
istered in  table- spoonful  doses,  frequently  repeated,  and  a 
poultice  of  the  bruised  plant  externally  on  the  stomach 
of  the  patient,  is  an  excellent  remedy  for  worms,  especial- 
ly where  the  bowels  are  much  pained.  It  is  also  good 
for  cramp  colic.  The  decoction  is  good  for  grown  per- 
sons troubled  with  hysterics  and  cramp  coIIg,  and  for  fe- 
males afflicted  with  painful  menstruation.  A  poultice 
made  by  bruising  the  herb  or  by  boiling  and  thickening 
the  docoction  with  wheat  bran  or  corn  meal,  is  good  to 
prevent  mortification,  and  heal  up  wounds,  old  sores,  and 
the  like. 


COMMON  GARDEN   RUE— (Rata   Graveolens.) 

This  is  a  Well  known  garden  herb.     The  top  or  leaves 
boiled  to  a  syrup  with  honey  or  sugar  and  given  to  chil- 
dren troubled  with  worms,  is  a  most  excellent  remedy,  jt 
should  be  given  every  morning,  in  doses  of  from  a  tea  to  a 
R 


291  INDI  \N  GUIDE  TO:  HEALTI-fr 

table-spoonful,  according  to  the  age  and  constitution-  of 
the  child,  when  worms  produce  violent  pains  in  the  stom- 
ach and  about  the  naval;  a  poultice  of  the  bruised  leaves 
applied  externally  over  the  pained  part  will  greatly  aid 
in  giving  relief.  It  quickens  the  circulation  removes  ob- 
structions, promotes  secretions.  Persons  troubled  with 
hysterics  will  derive  great  benefit  from  the  use  of  it  in 
whiskey,  as  a  bitter;  it  is  also  good  in  palsy  where  this 
disease  is  produced  by  debility  or  some  obstruction. 

Applied  in  poultices  to  the  ieet,  in  the  last  stages  of  ac- 
cute  disorders  it  is  excellent  to  produce  a  revulsion  from 
the  head,  it  will  sometimes  draw  a  blister.  A  poultice 
made  by  bruising  the  herb,  or  thickening  the  strong  de- 
coction with  meal  or  wheat  bran,  and  applied  to  inflamed 
or  gangrenous  parts,  is  excellent  to  prevent  mortification. 


DIRECTIONS, 

FOR  SELECTING,  GATHERING  AND  PRESERVING 

MEDICINES. 

Annual  roots. — That  is,  such  as  grow  from  the  seed  ev- 
ery year,  should  be  gathered  just  before  the  flowers  put 
out,  as  they  are  then  in  the  highest  state  of  perfection. 

Biennial  roots. — That  is,  such  as  grow  from  the  seed 
the  first  year,  live  through  the  winter,  and  bear  seed  and 
die  the  second  should  be  gathered  either  in  the  fall  of  the 
first  year  or  spring  of  the  second. 

Triennial  Roots. — Should  be  gathered  in  the  fall  after 
the  leaves  begin  to  die  or  in  the  spring  before  they  put 
forth. 

Roots  intended  for  medical  purposes  are  to  be  washed 
clean,  and  not  kept  long  in  the  water  as  this  will  diminish 
their  virtue;  after  being  washed  clean,  spread  them  in  the 
sun  a  short  time  to  dry  the  water  oiF,  then  spread  them 
out  in  a  dry  place.  When  perfectly  dry,  pack  them  a- 
way  to  exclude  the  atmosphere. 

Herbs  and  sleaves  intended  lor  medicine  should  be  gath- 


INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH.  292 

ered  about  the  time  of  flowering,  as  they  are  then  at 
their  greatest  perfection.  Flowers  should  be  collected 
when  in  perfection.  Herbs,  leaves  and  flowers,  must  be 
cured  in  the  shade.. 

Barks,  designed  for  medicine,  should  be  gathered  eith- 
er, in  the  fall  or  spring,  from  young  thrifty  trees,  shave 
off  the  rough  or  outside  bark,  dry  it  in  the  shade,  and 
preserve  it  from,  rain  and  dew. 


B  IOOD-L  KT1  I  N  G 

It  is5 highly  necessary  that    the  head  of  every  family 
should  understand  how  to  open  a  vein  with  a  lancet:  they 
should  also  be.  acquainted  with  the  cautions  necessary  for 
avoiding  danger.     Many  cases  occur  where  medical    aid 
cannot  be  obtained  in  time,  and  where  life  is  lost  for  want 
of  bleeding.     To  draw  blood  from  the  arm  you  are  to  ap- 
ply a  bandage  or  ligature*  an  inch  or  two  above    the  el- 
bow joint,  and  draw  it  so  tight  as  to   compress   the   veins 
immediately  under  the  bandage,  which  will  cause  them  to 
fill  and  swell  immediately  below  it.     As  soon  as  the  vein 
from  which  to  draw  blood  rises,   plaice  the  thumb  of  the 
left  hand  about  an  inch  below  the*  place  you  intend  to  o- 
pen  with  the  lancet;  then  with  your  right  hand  holding  the 
lancet  firmly  between  the  thumb- and   forefinger,   make 
the  incision  obliquely  or  slanting.     This  should  be  strictly 
observed,  for  by  holding  the  handle  of  the  lancet  too  high, 
the  point  will  cut  the  under  side  of  the  vein  and  perhaps 
dangerously  wound  an  artery.   When  the  desired  quantity 
of  blood  has  been  drawn,  untie  the  bandage  and  place  your 
thumb  on  the  orifice  and  press  it  with   a  moderate  force 
so  as  to  bring  the  edges  together.  This  will  stop  the  blood 
from  flowing.     You  are  next  to  apply  a  compress  about 
two  inches  square,  made  b}7  2  or  3  times  folding  a    piece 
of  linnen;  over  this  you  are  to  place  a  thick  folding  of  lin- 
nen  about  four  inches  square,  so  as  to   fill  up  the  bend  or 
hollow  of  the  arm.     The  folds  of  linnen  is  next  to  be  con- 
fined by  a  tape  or  other  bandage,  which  as   to  cross  over 
them  crosswise,  extending  above  and  below  the    elbow 
joint  in  the.farm  of  a  figure  eight,  and  to  finish  with  ma- 


293  INDIAN  GUIDE  TO  HEALTH, 

king  a  knot  on  the  linnen  immediately  over  the  incision  or 
orifice.  If  the  bleeding  should  continue,  pour  cold  water 
on  the  arm  above  the  elbow;  if  this  should  fail  to  stop  it 
take  off  the  bandage,  wash  the  orifice  with  strong  vinegar 
and  apply  the  cranes  bill  or  some  other*  styptic. 

To  draw  blood  from  the  foot,  place  the  bandage  above 
the  ankle  joint  and  open  the  vein  as  directed  for  bleeding 
in  the  arm.  The  blood  will  flow  more  rapidly  when  the 
foot  is  emersed  in  warm  water. 

Bleding,  althho'  indespensably  necessary  in  many  in- 
stances, may  nevertheless  be  improperly  resorted  to.  Re- 
gard must  be  always  had  to  the  strength,  constitution  and 
condition  of  the  patient;  stout,  robust  persons,  of  full  habit, 
will  require  the  loss  of  more  blood  than  the  more  delicate 
and  weakly.  In  a#ll  inflamatory  diseases,  bleeding  will 
be  found  highly  beneficial.  But  on  the  contrary  where 
the  disease  arises  from  debility  or  weakness,  bleeding  will 
do  serious  injury. 


DISPENSATORY. 

Having  finished  that  part  of  Materia  Medica,  which 
rmbraces  the  simple  articles  of  Medicine  that  have  been 
introduced  in  this  work  in  the  treatment  of  the  different 
diseases,  and  having  pointed  out  their  most  obvious  medi- 
cal properties,  together  with  the  mode  of  preparing  and 
administering  them,  I  will  now  proceed  to  such  compounds 
as  the  reader  is  referred  to  in  the  treatment  of  the  differ- 
ent diseases. 

This  part  of  the  work  will  be  arranged  in  the  form  of  a 
Dispensatory  for  the  greater  convenience  oi  the  reader. — 

There  is  also  given  a  short  table  of  Mineral  Medicines. 


DIURETIC     PILLS. 

Take  one  table-spoonful  of  copperas;  one  table-spoonful 
of  pine  rosin:  the  yolk  of  two  hen-eggs:  mix  these  article* 
well  and  add  starch  or  flour  enough  to  make  it  the  prop- 
er consistence  to  roll  into  pills.    Three  is  a  common  dose 


>94 


dispensatory:  29 

fpr  an  adult.     These  pills  are  valuable  for  dropsy  and  oth- 
diseases  that  require  the  use  of  diuretics*. 

Another  Valuable  Preparation. 

Take  of  egg-shells  half  an  ounce;  coperasone  ounce;  el- 
der-bark, of  the  root,  one  ounce:  white  sumac,  bark  of  root, 
one  and  a  half  ounces;  pine  rosin  one  ounce.  Brown  the 
egg-shells  and  pulverize  all  the  ingredients,  and  add  wat- 
er sufficient  to  the  proper  consistency  to  roll  into  pills. — 
Three  or  four  is  the  common  dose  for  grown  persons.  Used 
for  the  same  purposes  as  the  foregoing. 

DIURETIC    POWDERS. 

Take  of  the  common  elder,  bark  of  the  root,  six  ounces: 
burdoc  root  six  ounces;  egg  shells  browned,  four  ounces: 
queen  of  the  meadow,  six  ounces;  agrimony,  six  ounces; 
horse  radish  four  ounces.  Reduce  ail  these  articles  to  fine 
powder,  and  sift  them  through  a  fine  sieve;  then  bottle  up 
lor  use;  dose,  a  teaspoonfal  three  or  four  times  a  day,  in 
a  tea  of  water- melon  or  pumpkin  seeds.  These  powders 
are  useful  to  relieve  suppressions  of  urine,  and  also  to  car- 
ry of  the  dropsical  fluid  from  the  body. 

When  all  the  above  articles  cannot  be  had,  use  such  as 
can  be  obtained;  by  turning  to  the  malaria  medica,  in  the 
class  of  diuretics,  you  will  find  a  number  of  simple  articles 
described,  any  of  which  may  be  used  in  forming  a  com- 
pound, for  gravel  or  dropsical  affections;  they  should  be 
pulverized  and  used  as  directed  for  the  above  preparation. 

Diuretic  Tincture. — Take  of  elder  leaves,  one  ounce; 
horse  radish  one  ounce  and  a  half;  welt  weed,  the  roof, 
one  ounce.  Digest  the  whole  four  or  five  days  in  good 
spirits,  in  sun  heat,  shaking  it  well  every  day;  of  this  tinc- 
ture, take  three  or  four  drams  a  day;  excellent  for  gravel, 
and  urinary  obstructions. 

Diaphoretics. — Medicines  of  this  class  are  employed  to 
promote  prespiration 

Diaphoretic  Powders. — Take  of  butterfly  roof,  one  lb.; 
^ilk  weed  root,  one  pound;  rag  weed  root,  one  lb.;  seneka 
snake  root,  five  ozs.;  ginger  one  lb.;  cloves  four  ozs.;  red 
pepper  two  ozs.;  reduce  all  these  articles  to  fine  powder 
and  sift  through  a  fine  sieve,  then  mix  them  thoroughly. 
Dose  for  an  adult  is  one. tea-spoonful  in  hot  water.  This 
compound  is  useful  in  colds,  obstructions  and  in   the  first 


295  DISPENSATORY. 

stage  of  disease  generally.  They  give  tone  and  strength 
to  the  system,  promote  prespiration  and  thereby  discharge 
the  morbid  matter,  and  remove  obstructions.  Where  the 
the  above  articles  cannot  be  conveniently  obtained,  the 
reader  has  but  to  turn  to  the  class  of  diaphoretics  in  Ma- 
teria Medica,  where  he  will  find  a  variety  of  articles  of 
this  class-described  at  length,  any  of  which  may  be  pre- 
pared and  used  as  the  above  in  all  cases  where  the  above 
would  be  of  service.  In  preparing  compounds  as  above  di- 
rected, the  ginger,  cloves  and  cayenne  should  never  be  o- 
mitted:  these  are  articles  which  can  generally  be  had 
anywhere  almost. 

DIAPHORETIC  DPvOPS  OR  TINCTURE. 

Take  of  blue-flag  root,  green,  one  ounce;  cayenne  one 
ounce;  peach  kernels  one  ounce;  common  ginger,  one  and 
a  halt  pounds;  gum-myrrh  one  pound;  alcohol  six  quarts. 
Pulverize  all  the  solid  ingredients,  and  add  them  to  the  al- 
cohol; digest  ei;a;ht  or  ten  days  in  sun  heat,  shaking  several 
times  a  day.  Dose  from  one  to  four  tea-spoonfuls,  repeat- 
I  ed  at  discretion;  it  should  be  taken  in  some  kind  of  sweat- 
ing tea.  It  will  be  found  valuable  for  pains  in  the  stom- 
ach, d}"sentary,  colic,  colds,  head-ache,  internal  incarna- 
tion, &LC. 

CATHARTIC  PILL, 

For  the  simple  articles  of  this  class,   see    ""Cathartics,*" 
Materia  Medica,  where  you  will  find  them  described. 

Aniibillious  Pills. — Take  of  gulver  root  1  1-4  pounds: 
Indian  physic  1  1-2  pounds;  milk-weed  root  1  l-4j>ounds: 
highland  big  leaf  3-4  of  a  pound;  black  ash  bark  3-4  of  a 
pound;  black  walnut  bark  1-2  pound;  white  walnut  bark 
15  pounds.  Boil  all  these  ingredients  until  the  strength  is 
extracted,  then  strain  the  decoction,  and  continue  boiling 
until  it  is  reduced  to  the  consistence  of  very  thick  molas- 
ses; when  it  is  cooled  it  will  be  ■stiff,  add  starch  enough  to 
roll  it  into  pills.  Eight  pills  of  common  size  is  a  dose,  if 
they  fail  to  operate  in  a  reasonable  time,  give  half  a  dose. 

Gulver  Pill. — Take  any  desirable  quantity  of  gulver 
root,  reduced  to  fine  powder,  add  enough  of  a  strong  de- 
coction of  the  same  to  make  it  the  proper  consistence  to 
make  into  pills — iromJive  to  eight  for  a  dose,  repeated 


DISPENSATORY.  29  5 

in  four  hours,  if  they  should  fail  to  operate  In  that  length 
of  time.  These  pills  are  peculiarly  adapted  to  nervous 
complaints. 

Gulver  Syrup.-. — Boil  any  desirable  quantity  of  this  roo+. 
to  a  strong  decoction,  strain  and  continue  boiling  until 
it  is  very  strong,  then  sweeten  it  with  molasses,  and  ad- 
minister in  table-spoonful  doses,  repeated  every  three 
hours  until  the  desired  effect  is  produced. 

Butternut  Syrup. — Take  any  desirable  quantity  of  white 
walnut  bark,  to  every  fifteen  pounds  of  fhis  bark  add 
1-2  pound  of  gulver  root  and  a  half  pound  of  Indian  phys- 
ic, boil  all  the  ingredients  until  the  strength  is  extracted, 
strain  and  continue  boiling  to  the  consistence  oi  molasses, 
then  cool  and  bottle  for  use.  Dose  from  one  to  two  table- 
spoonsful. 

Hepatic  Fill. — Take  any  desirable  quantity  ofhoneset 
leaves,  boil  them  until  the  strength  is  extracted,  then 
strain  the  decoction  and  continue  boiling  until  it  becomes 
thick,  taking  care  not  to  scorch  it,  then  add  starch  enoug.a 
to  enable  you  to  roll  it  into  pills.  Three  of  these  pills,  is  a 
common  dose.     Useful  for  eomplaints  of  the  liver. 

Antidyspeptic  or  Hepatic  Syrup. — Take  any  desirable 
quantity  of  bone  set  leaves,  boil  to  a  very  strong  decoc- 
tion, strain  and  boil  to  the  consistence  of  molasses,  add  to 
each  pint  of  this  extract,  a  half  gill  of  sourwood  molasses. 
Dose:  from  a  tea  to  a  table-spoonful,  morning,  noon  and 
night.     Useful  in  complaints  of  the  liver,  indigestion,  &c. 

EMETICS. 

Emetics  are  a  class  of  medicines  used  to  produce  vomit- 
ing; their  operation  ma}'  be  rendered  more  easy  and  effi- 
cacious by  the  use  of  warm  water  after  the  first  motion  to 
vomit. 

Emetic  Decoction. — Take  of  Indian  physic  or  American 
ipecacuanha  one  pound,  gulver  root  a  half  pound,  put  into 
one  gallon  of  water,  and  boil  down  to  a  pint,  strain  and 
bottle  for  use;  of  this,  give  a  half  gill  every  twenty  min- 
ute? until  vomiting  is  produced.  This  class  is  among  the 
mildest,  safest  and  most  certain  emetics.  These  articles 
may  be  reduced  to  powders,  combined  in  the  same  pro- 
portions. Dose  of  the  powders,  two  tea-spoonsful  to  a  gill 
of  boiling  water,  repeated  every  fifteen  Funutes  until  vom- 
king  is  produced. 


297  DISPENSATORY. 

Tincture  of  Lobelia. — Take  of  Lobelia,  it  dgy  four:  oun- 
ces, if  green,  eight  ounces;  alcohol  one  quart,  pulverize  the 
herb,  and  add  the  alcohol,  digest  eight  or  ten  days  in  sun 
heat,  shaking  it  several  times  a  day.  Dose  from  a  tea  to 
a  table-spoonful,  repeated  every  fifteen  minutes,  untiL 
vomiting  is  produced.  The  tincture  made  in  the  same 
manner  of  the  pulverized  seeds,  is  the  strongest  prepara- 
tion of  this  herb.  The  tincture  of  lobelia  is  the  safest  and  . 
best  emetic  known  for  snake-bites  and  other  poisons.  Lo- 
belia may  be  administered  in  powders.  Dose  a  tea-spoon- 
ful every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  until  vomiting  is  produced;, 
they  should  be  taken  in  some  sweating  tea,  not  over  blood 
heat,  as  anything  over  this  temperature  will  destroy  the 
virtue  of  the  lobelia. 

BITTER  TONICS. 

Articles  of  this  class  are  generally  employed  to  assist 
the  organs  in  recovering  a  healthy,  vigorous  action.  The 
proper  time  to  administer  medicines  of  this  class  is  after 
1  he  force  of  disease  is  overcome  by  other  remedies.  The 
simple  articles  of  this  class  are  very  numerous.  I  will 
here  mention  some  of  the  best  and  most  common: — Bitter- 
root,  hoar-hound, black  and  sampson  snake-root,  spikenard, 
columbo-root,  goldenseal,  hearberry,  poplar  bark,  gum- 
myrrh.  These  articles  may  be  found  under  their  proper 
heads  in"  Materia  Medica,  where  they  are  spoken  of  at 
greater  length,  their  virtues  may  generally  be  increased 
by  combining  with  them  a  portion  of  some  astringent  ton- 
ic. The  following  are  some  of  the  simple  articles  of  this 
class:  Dewberry  and  blackberry  root,  dog- wood,  sumac, 
witch  hazel,  wild  cherry  tree  bark,  black  birch,  hayberry, 
cinnamon^  When  the  use  of  astringent  tonics  produce 
dryness  of  the  mouth,  they  should  be  discontinued. 

Tonic  Powders, — Take  of  columbo  root  six  ounces,  pop- 
lar bark,  of  the  root  six  ounces,  dogwood  bark,  of  the  root 
six  ounces,  wild  cherry  tree  bark  six  ounces,  boneset  leaves 
four  ounces,  cayenne  pepper  one  ounce,  pulverize  and 
sift,  through  a  fine  seive,  and  mix  all  the  ingredients  well 
together.  Dpse,  a  tea-spoonful  in  either  warm  or  cold 
water,  repeated  several  times  a  day.  Useful  in  debility, 
and  in  all  cases  where  bitter  tonics  are  required,  as  in  in- 
termittent fever  or  ague  and  fever.  Where  the  above  in- 
gredients are  aot  at  hand,  by  turning  to  "Tcnie"  in  Mate* 


DISPENSATORY.  298 

ria  Medica,  you  will  doubtless  find  the  description  of  such 
as  are  at  hand,  and  such  perhaps  as  will  answer  equally 
well.  Where  there  is  no  fever  the  simple  articles  may  be 
digested  in  spirits  and  taken  as  bitters. 

Laxative  Bitter  Tonics. — Compounds  of  this  kind  should, 
be  formed  of  such  tonics  as  possess  aperient  properties,  by 
examing^  Materia  Medica  you  will  see  several  valuable, 
articles  of  this  class  described,  among  which  are  poplar 
bark,  boneset,  sarsaparilla,  black  root,  &c.     They  should 
be  prepared  and  used  as  directed  for  tonic  powders. 

Chalybeate  Pill.~~ Take  of  pleurisy  root  a  half  ounce, 
spikenark  root,  a  hajf  ounce,  star  root  a  half  ounce,  ele- 
campane a  half  ounce,  Jerusalem  oak  seeds  a  quarter  of 
an  ounce,  seneka  ^nake  root  a  half  ounce,  flour  of  sulpher 
three-fourths  of  an  ounce,  steel  dust  one  ounce,  pulverize 
all  the  ingredients,  and  sift  through  a  fine  sieve  or  thin 
cloth,  then  add  a  sufficiency  of  honey  to  cement  it,  and 
roll  it  into  pills.  Valuable  in  all  cases  where  tonics  are 
necessary. 

Ague  Pill. — Take  equal  quantities  of  mullen  leaves  and 
red  sassafras  bark,  of  the  root,  boil  in  water  to  a  strong  de- 
coction, then  strain  and  continue  boiling  the  decoction  ta 
the  consistency  of  very  thick  molasses,  add  a  sufficient 
quantity  of  sassafras  bark  fine!}7  pi^.verizcd  to  make  it  the 
proper  consistence  to  roll  it  into  pills.  Dose  three  or  mor© 
morning  and  night.     Useful  in  ague  and  fever, 

N  E •  R  V  I  N  E.  S 

Are  medicines  employed  to  allay  nervous  irritation,  and 
should  be  employed  in  all  compounds  which  are  to  be  used 
in  cases  of  this  kind.  One  of  the  best  nervines  in  Botani- 
cal Materia  Medica  is  the  root  of  the  moccasin  flower  in 
(loses  of  a  tea-spoonful  in  warm  water,  repeated  at  dis- 
cretion. 

Nervine  Powders. — Take  of  yellow  moccasin  flower  root 
six  ounces,  ginseng  one  ounce,  agrimony  one  ounce,  nut- 
meg 1  ounce? -pulverize  all  these  ingredients,  and  mix  them 
well  together.  Dose,  a  tea-spoonful  in  warm  wafer,  re- 
peated as  often  as  necessary.  For  a  full  description  of 
several  articles  of  this  class,  turn  to  "Antispasmodics"  in 
Materia  Medica,  any  of  the  articles  in  this  class  may  be 
prepared  and  used  as  the  one  above,  or  they  may  be  tinc- 
tured if  desired,  this  is  done  by  pulverizing  as  aibove  di- 


299  DISPENTATORY. 

rected,  and  then  digesting  in  alcohol  several  days,  shaking 
it  every  day. 

Nervine  Tincture. — Take  of  moccasin  flower  root  six 
ounces,  ginseng  root  two  ounces,  mountain  dittany  two 
ounces,  sassafras,  bark  of  the  root  four  ounces,  nutmeg  one 
ounce,  gum  camphor  a  fourth  of  an  ounce,  alcohol  three 
pints;  pulverize  all  the  solid  articles,  add  the  alcohol,  and 
digest  six  or  eight  days  in  sun  heat,  shaking  it  ever}7  day. 
Dose,  from  one  to  three  tea-spoonsful,  repeated  every  fif- 
teen minutes  until  relief  is  obtained.  Useful  in  colics, 
pains  in- the  stomach,  and  very  valuable  for  children. 

Antispasmodic  Tincture. — Take  of  moccasin  flower  root 
two  ounces,  cayenne  pepper  two  ounces,  blueberry  root 
two  ounces,  asafcetida  a  half  ounce,  lobelia  seeds  a  half 
ounce;  pulverize  all  these  articles,  then  add  them  to  1  quart 
of  good  spirits  of  any  kind,  let  them  digest  eight  or  ten 
days  in  sun  heat,  shaking  it  well  every  day.  Dose  from  a 
half  to  a  teaspoonful,  repeated  as  often  as  circumstances 
require.  .Useful  in  fits,  spasms  and  the  like;  also  in  snake- 
bites and  where  poisons  have  been  taken  into  the  stomach. 
Any  of  the  articles  in  Materia:  Medica  in  the  class  of  anti- 
spasmodics may  be  tinctured  and  used  as  .above  directed, 
but  may  be  rendered  better  b}T  adding  a  liberal  portion  of 
red  pepper,  and  a  small  portion  of  lobelia  seeds.  Any  of 
tile  articles  may  be  used  alone  if  others  cannot  be  had,  or 
the  articles  may  be  tinctured  separately  and  the  tinctures 
:iii  xcd> 

ANTI-EMETICS. 

Anti  emetics  are'mediemes  employed  to  allay  irritation 
of  the  stomach  and  check  vomiting.  When  spontaneous 
vomiting  proceeds  from  a  foul  stomach,  means  should  not 
be  used  to  check  it,  until  the  stomach  has  been  cleansed 
with  an  emetic.  The  best  articles  of  this  class  are  cholera 
morbus  root,  seven  bark,  pepper  mint  and  spear  mint: 
there  are  also  other  articles  which  possess  the  property  of 
anti-emetics  in  a  less  active  degree;  by  examining  materia 
,mediea,  you  will  find  a  full  description  of  the  above  arti- 
cles, together  with  several  others.  They  may  be  taken  in 
tea  or  infusion,  or  tinctured  in  French  brandy.  The  oil 
or  essence  of  pepper  mint  may  be  used  in  tea  for  the  pur- 
pose of  checking  vomiiing.  Medicines  employed  for  this 
purpose,  should  be  &3ministered  in  small  doses,  repeated 


DISPENSATORY.  300 

at  short  intervals,  until  the  desired  effect  is  produced. — 
Where  vomiting  is  attended  with  spasms  in  the  stomach, 
some  anti-spasmodic  should  be  combined  with  the  anti- 
emetic. The  anti-spasmodic  tincture  will  probably  answer 
best  for  this  purpose. 

SEVERAL  VALUABLE   PREPARATIONS  FOR 

VENEREAL. 

Make  of  highland  big  leaf  root  three  pounds,  pineyroot 
three  ounces;  put  both  articles  into  four  gallons  of  water; 
boil  down  to  one  gallon,  strain  and  bottle  for  use.  Dose, 
one  gill,  three  times  a  day. 

Another  preparation. — Take  of  the  white  sumac  root,  one 
pound,  dew-berry  brier  root,  one  pound;  pine,  inside  bark 
root,  one  half  pound;  boil  all  these  articles  in  4  gallons  of 
water  down  to  two  gallons;  of  this,  the  patient  should  drink 
a  pint  each  day.  Take  white  sumach  root,  two  pounds: 
may  apple  root,  one  pound;  devil  shoe  string,  one  half 
pound;  persimmon,  bark  of  the  root,  one  fourth  pound. — 
Boil  in  four  gallons  of  water  down  to  two;  strain,  and  bot- 
tle for  use.     Dose,  a  half  gill  three  times  a  any. 

Dr.  Wright's  beer  for  consumption. — Take  of  Spikenard 
root,  if  green,  two  pound?,  if  dry,  bn:*  pound;  seneka  snake 
root,  two  ounces;  wild  cherry  tree  bark,  one  half  pound: 
iron  weed  root,  one  half  pound;  wild  potatoe,  one  half 
pound:  burdock  root,  one  half  pound;  boil  all  these  articles 
into  ten  gallons  of  water,  and  boil  down  to  three:  while 
boiling,  pour  the  decoction  into  a  keg  or  jug,  and  add  one 
cuart  of  honey;  let  it  remain  until  it  ferments,  and  it  is 
lit  for  use.  Dosp,  a  half  pint  two  or  three  times  a  day. 
It  is  valuable  in  liver  complaints,  consumption,  6cc. 

RHEUMATIC  OINTMENT. 

Take  of  Cedar  oil,  one  half  pint,  British  oil  one  half  pint: 
mix  well  and  anoint  the  affected  part  twice  a  day  bathing 
it  wuh  a  warm  iron. 

Relaxing  ointment. — -Take  of  Turkey  buzzard's  oil,  one 
gill;  fox  oil,  one  gill:  cedar  oil,  one  gill;  mix  all  well  togeth- 
er. This  is  a  valuable  ointment  for  stiff  joints;  it  should 
be  applied  to  the  affected  part  two  or  three  times  a  day, 
bathing  it  with  warm  iron. 

Essence  of  Pejrpcr.—  T&ke   of  African   cayenne  one- 


301;  DISPENSATORY. 

fourth  ounce*  alcohol  one  quart,  add  together  and  burn  one 
third  of  the  alcohol  away,  then  strain  and  bottle  for  use. 
This  is  a  valuable  external  application  to  pained  parts;  it 
seldom  fails  to  give  speedy  relief. 

Black  Poultice. — Take  of  common  soap,  one  fourth 
pound,  hog's  lard  one  fourth  pound,  table  salt,  three  ounces, 
extract  of  sour  wood,  one  "gill;  cedar's  oil,  one  fourth  gill; 
mix  all  these  ingredients  together,  and  apply  in  the  form 
of  a  poultice.  This  poultice  forms  a  good  application  to 
swellings,  boils,  stone  bruises,  and  the  like,  drawing  them 
to  a  head,  and  causing  them  to  break,  and  run,  much  soon- 
er than  they  would  otherwise  do.  Fhe  sourvvood  extract, 
and  cedar  oil  have  a  tendency  to  mitigate  the  pain. 

Ointment  for  sores. — Take  of  bear's  foot,  the  root,  half 
pound,  heart  leaf  the  root  half  pound,  elder  bark,  fourth  of 
a  pound;  boil  all  together,  until  the  strength  is  extracted, 
then  strain  and  continue  boiling  to  a  very  strong  oose; 
then  add  to  it  of  fresh  butter,  hog's  lard,  or  mutton  or  deer's 
suet,  two  pounds;  pine  rosin,  two  ounces;  sweet  gum  rosin, 
two  ounces:  stew  all  together,  until  the  water  is  evapora- 
ted; then  cool,  and  it  will  be  ready  for  use.  Valuable  for 
outs,  wounds,  sores,  &c. 

Another  for  the  same. — Take  of  tag  elder  bark,  one  hall 
pound;  common  elder  bark,  one  half  poand,  bamboo  brier 
root  one  half  pound;  heart  leaf  root,  one  half  pound;  boil 
until  the  strength  is  extracted;  then  strain,  and  acid  to  the 
decoction,  of  bees-wax,  one  fourth  of  a  pound;  hog's  lard, 
one  pound;  pine  rosin,  two  ounces;  sweet  gum  rosin,  two 
ounces;  stew  the  whole  together,  until  the  water  is  evapo- 
rated. To  make  a  very  drawing  salve,  add  to  either  of  the 
above,  a  portion  of  blue  flag  root,  or  balm  of  gilead  buds. 

Rpaling  Salve. — Take  ot  bear's  fo.pt  root,  a  half  pound; 
heart  leaf  root,  a  hajf  pound;  bruise  and  boil  until  the 
strength-is  extracted,  then,  strain  and  add  a  halt  pound  of 
fresh  butter;  slew  it  until  the  water  is  evaporated.  Useful 
for  eruptions  oi'theskin,  and  in  all  eases  where  a  cooling, 
healing  salve  is  required,  when  both  the  articles  cannot  bo 
had,  either  will  answer. 

Turner's  Cerate. — This  ointment",  which  is  so  celebrated 
in  burns  is  prepared  as  follows:  Take  of  calamine  in  fine 
powder,  one  hall' pound;  beeswax  one  half  pound;  hog's 
lard,  one  pound;  melt  the  wax  with  the  lard  and  put  it  out 


DISPENSATORY.  302 

in  the  air,  when  it  begins  to  thicken,  or  become  cool,  mix 
with  it,  the  calomel,  and  stir  it  well  until  cold. 

When  you  inquire  for  this  article  at  an  apothecary  or 
Doctor's  shop,  ask  for  calamine  in  powder;  it  is  a  mineral 
imported  from  different  countries. 

PLASTER  FOR  DRAWING  BLISTERS. 

Take  the  root  of  wild  wet-fire,  bruise  and  wet  it  with 
water,  and  apply  where  the  blister  is  desired;  the  skixi 
should  be  moistened  with  vinegar  also. 

Another  for  the  same. — Take  the  bruised  herb  of  wild 
camomile  and  apply  it  to  the  skin,  as  above  directed. 

Another  f ot  the  same. — Take  mustard  seed,  pound  or 
grind  them  fine  and  make  them  into  a  plaster  by  wetting 
them  with  vinegar  or  spirits.  Moisten  the  skin  with  vin- 
egar or  spirits  before,  applying  the  plaster.  Apply  to  the 
feet  and  wrists  in  the  low  stages  of  disease,  to  raise  the 
pulse,  and  produce  a  revulsion  from  the  head. 

Strengthening  Plaster. — Take  of  pine  rosin,  obtained  by 
boiling  a  rich  pine  root,  i-2  pound;  African  cayenne,  1-4 
ounce;  moccasin  flower  roof,  1-2  ounce.  Pulverize  the 
cayenne  and  moccasin  root,  and  add  them  to  the  rosin 
while  warm,  and  mix  them  well,ithen  spread  it  on  a  piece 
of  thin  leather  or  stiff  cloth  and  apply  it  while  sufficiently 
warm  to  adhere  to  the  skin.  When  a  sufficient  quantity 
cannot  be  obtained  by  boiling  the  roots,  that  which  exudes 
from  the  tree  may  be  added,  if  soft.  Useful  for  weak 
backs,  also  good  to  remove  pains  in  the  side,  breast  and 
back.  It  should  be  applied  immediately  over  the  pained 
part,  and  let  it  remain  until  it  comes  off. 

STYPTICS. 

Styptics  are  articles  applied  to  wounds,  cuts,  &.c.,  to 
stop  the  flow  of  blood. 

Cranes  Bill  is  a  most  powerful  Styptic. — A  full  descrip- 
tion of  this  herb,  tegether  with  the  mode  of  preparing  and 
applying,  may  be  seen  under  that  head.  It  is  said  by  some 
to  answer  equally  well  when  pulverized  and  applied  to 
the  bleeding  surface. 

White  Hickory. — The  inner  bark  boiled  until  the  strength 
is  extracted,    then    strain    and  continue  boiling  to  the 


303  DISPENSATORY. 

consistence  of  molasses — forms  an  excellent  application 
to  stop  bleeding;  it  should  be  applied  by  wetting  lint  in  the 
extract,  and  applying  it  to  the  bleeding  surface.  It  may 
be  preserved  any  length  of  time,  by  adding  to  it  a  portion 
ofgood  rum,  and  excluding  the  atmosphere  by  stopping  it 
up  in  glass  bottles.  It  forms  a  very  good  dressing  for 
wounds,  where  there  is  not  too  much  inflammation. 

Burnt  Stone,  finely  pulverized  and  applied  to   a  fresh 
cut,  will  in  most  instances  stop  bleeding. 

Persimmon  inner  bark,  boiled  to  a  very  strong   ooze,  is 
very  good  to  stop  bleeding. 

The  extract  of  Oak,  either  kind,  applied  to  fresh  wounds, 
or  bleeding  surface,  is  good  to  stop  the  flow  of  blood. 

Sooi.  applied  to  a  fresh  wound,  is  very  valuable  to  stop 
blesding. 

Sassafras  Leaves  bruised  or  pounded  fine,,is  good  to  stop., 
bleeding. 

In  the  clas<5  of  "astringents"  in  Materia  Medica,  the  rea- 
der will  find  several  valuable  articles  for  this  purpose. 


G  LOSS  dLjR  1%, 

OR  EXPLANATION  OF  THE  TECHNICAL  TERMS. 

Abdomen,  lower  part  of  the  bell}7-.     Abortion,  expulsion 
of  the  fetus  before  the  7th  month.     Abcess,  a  tumor  con- 
taining matter.     Absorbents,  1st.  medicines  that   correct 
acidit}%  and  dry  up  superfluous  moisture:  2d.  small    deli- 
cate vessels  that  absorb  fluid  substances,  and  convey  them 
to  the  blood.     Absorption,  the  act  of  sucking  up  substan- 
ces.    Accoucher,  one  who  assists  at  child-birth,  a  mid- wife. 
Acid,  that  which  imparts  a  sharp  or  sour  sensation.     Ac- 
rid, burning,  pungent,  corrosive.     Acute,  a  term  applied  to 
a  disease  denoting  violent  symptoms,  hastening  to  a  crisis. 
Adult,  a  person  full  grown.     After-birth,  .the  fleshy   sub- 
stance that  connects  the  foetus  to  the  womb.     Affusion, 
pouring  one  thing  on  another.     Ague-cake,  enlargement 
of  the  spleen.     Alimentary  canal,  the  stomach  and  intes- 
tines.    Alcohol,  rectified  spirits  of  wine.     Alkali,  any  sub- 
stance uniting  with  an  acid  neutralizes  or  destroys  its  a- 
cidity.     Alternate,   changed   by  turns;  in  botany,  leaves 
and  branches  are  said  to  be  alternate,  when  they  grow  out 
singly  on  opposite  sides:of  the  stem,  rising  above  each  oth- 
er in  regular  order.     Amputation  the  act  of  cutting  off  a 
limb.     Anatomy,  the  dissection  of  organized  bodies.     An- 
imal, yearly,  every  year..    Anodyne,  medicines  which  ease 
pain.     Anti-acid,  that  which   destroys  acidity.      Anthel- 
mintics, medicines  which  remove  or  correct  the  bile.    An- 
tidote, a  medicine  that  destroys  poisons.     Anti-emetic,  a 
remedy  for  vomiting.     Anti-scorbuctic,  preventing  or  cur- 
ing scurvy.     Antiseptic^that  which  prevents  or  removes 
putrefaction.     Antispasmodic,  remedies   for  spasms.     A- 
mus,  the  fundament.    Aperient,  opening.    Aarta,  the  great 
artery  of  the  body.     Artery,  the  canal  conveying  the  blood 
from  the  heart  to  all  parts  of  the  body.     Aromatic, '  fra- 
grant, spicy,  pungent.     Astringent,   medicines  to  correct 
looseness  and  debility,  by  rendering  the  solids  denser  and 
firmer.    Axillary,  in  botany  it  means  the  ang]e[formed  by  a 
branch  with  the  stem,  or  by  aleaf  with  the  stem  or  branch, 
liennial,  a  botanical  term  applied  to  those  plants  which 
produce.  their,roots  and  leaves  the  first  year,   and 
produce  fcheir  fruit  thp  secondhand  then  die.     Bile,  the  bit= 


B 


305  GLOSSARY. 

ter,  yellowish  fluid  secreted  by  the  liver.  Bitternate,  hav- 
.ing  three.  Botany,  that .part  of  natural  history  which  re- 
lates to  the  vegetable  kingdom.  Bulbous,  a  botanical 
term,  denoting  a  round,  oblate  shape  like  that  of  an  onion 

Calculi,  small  stones  or  gravel.  Caloric,  the  chemical 
term  for  the  matter  of  heat.  Calyx,  a  cup,  the  ex- 
ternal covering  of  an  unexpanding  flower.  Cancer,  small 
corroding  ulcers.  Capsule,  the  part  of  the  plant  contain- 
ing the  seed.  Carminative,  that  which  expels  wind  from 
the  stomach.  Cataplasm,  a  poultice,  soft  plaster.  Car- 
tilage, a  white  elastic  substance  connecting  the  bones. — 
Catarrh,  a  discharge  from  the  glands  about  the  head  and 
neck.  Cathartic,  a  purgative  medicine.  Catheter,  a 
small  tube  for  drawing  off  the  urine,  being  introduced  in- 
to the  bladder.  Caudex,  a  botanical  term  denoting  the 
main  head  or  body  of  a  root.  Caustics,  burning  applica- 
tions. Cellular,  consisting  of  cells.  Chancre,  a  venereal 
ulcer.  Chronic,  a  term  denoting  a  disease  of  long  stand- 
ing. Clyster,  a  liquid  substance  injected  into  the  bowels. 
Connate,  growing  from  one  base,  united  together.  Coag- 
ula,  clots  of  blood.  Conoption,  the  impregnation  of  the 
womb.  Constipation,  great  costiveness.  Constriction,  a 
drawing  together,  contraction.  Contagious,  caught  hy 
infection.  Cordate,  having  the  shape  of  a  heart.  Corro- 
sive, consuming,  eating  away.  Convalescence,  the  state 
of  returning  health  after  sickness.  Convulsion,  a  violent 
spasmodic  affection,  a  fit.  Corymb,  a  cluster  of  flowers 
at  the  top  of  a  plant  forming  an  even  expanded  surface 
Cutaneous,  belonging  to  the  skin.  Cyme  or  cyma,  an  ag- 
gregate, like  the  sunflower. 

Jecoction,  a  preparation  by  boiling.  Decumbent,  re- 
clined, bending  down.  Delirium,  craziness,  aliena- 
tion of  mind.  Detergent,  cleansing.  Diaphoretic,  pro- 
moting sweating.  Digestion,  the  process  of  dissolving  al- 
iment in  the  stomach.  Digest,  to  dissolve  by  the  action  of 
a  solvent,  to  infuse  any  medical  substance  in  spirits.  Dis- 
cutient,  an  application  to  disperse  a  tumor.  Diuretic,  a 
medicine  that  icreases  the  secretion  of  urine.  Drastic, 
strong,  active,  violent. 

Efflorescence,  redness  of  the  skin  around  an  eruption. 
Emetic,  a  medicine  which  excites  vomiting.  Em- 
menagogue,  that  which  promotes  the  flow  of  the  menses. 
Emolient,  that  which  softens  and  relaxes  the  solids.    Ep* 


• 


GLOSSARY.  308 


idemic,  a  contagious  disease,  attacking  many  people  the 
same  season.  .  Errhines,  articles  that  excite  sneezing.  E- 
ruption,  breaking  out  on  the  skin.  Excoriate,  to  strip  off 
the  skin.     Excrement,  the  alvine,  fceces,  or  stools. 

Feeces,  excrements  or  stools.  Febrile,  indicating  fe- 
ver, pertaining  to  fever.  Febrifuge,  that  which  re- 
moves fever.  Fibrous,  consisting  of  small  threads.  Flat- 
ulency, windiness  in  the  stomach  and  intestines.  Fomen- 
tation, the  application  of  flannel  dipped  in  hot  water.' — 
Flooding,  an  excessive  flow  of  (he  menses.  Friction,  the 
act  of  rubbing.  Fracture,  a  broken  hone.  Fundcment, 
the  aperture  from  which  the  excrements  are  ejected,  the 
seat.  Fungus,  proud  flesh,  or  any  other  excrescence.  Fur, 
the  coat  of  morbid  matter  upon  the  tGngue. 

gangrene,  the  incipient  or  forming  singe   of  mcrtifica- 
"   tion.     Gargle,  a  wash  for  the  mouth  and  threat. 

Hectic,  a  slow  fever.  Mrseorihag.es,  a  discharge  of 
blocd.  Hemorroids,  the  files.  Hepatic,  pertain- 
ing to  the  liver,  Jiydragcgue,  that  which  prcmotes  the 
discharge  of  humors  from  the  fccdy.  Bivpcccndriacal,  low 
spirited.  Hymen,  the  virgin  a  1  membrane,  partly  closing 
the  passage  of  the  vagina.  Hysterics,  a  disc  ase  peculiar 
to  wemen,  characterized  by  rrflf  medic  and  nerycug  nilcc- 
t.ions,   and  often  attended  with  hypcccndriccal  symptoms. 

Tdiophatic,  a  term  applied  to  diseases  that  exist  rade- 
■*  pendent  of  all  other  complaints.  Idiosyncrasy,  the 
peculiar  temperament  or  constitution  of  the  bed}'.  Inden- 
ted, notched.  Indigenous,  native.  Infectious,  communi- 
cating disease  by  contagion.  Inluse,  to  steep  in  a  liquid 
without  boiling.  Intestines,  the  tubes  in  the  abdomen, 
vulgarly  called  guts.  Intel  mitt  ent,  ceasing  for  intervals 
of  time.' 


agged,  uneven,  having  jaggs  or  teeth. 

¥  anceolate,  oblong,  shaped  like  a   lancet.     Laxatives, 
•*"  a  gentle  cathartic.     Ligature,    a   bandage..    Liga- 
ment, a  strong  membrane  connecting  the  joints..    Lithot- 
omy, the  operation  of  cutting  the  stone  out  of  the  bladder. 

ISI'ateria  Medica,  description  of  medicine.     Meconium, 
->■"■»•   the  first  stools  of  an  infant.     Membrane,  a  thin  del- 
icate skin.     Menses,  monthly  courses  of  females.     Men- 


3T07  GLOSSARY. 

struation,  the  act  of  discharging  the  'menses.  Menstrua), 
pertaining  to  the  menses.  Miasm,  putrid  exhalations. 
Menstruum,  any  fluid  used  as  a  solvent.  Morbid,  diseased, 
unhealthy.  Mucilage,  a  glutinous,  slimy  substance.  Mu- 
cous, the  slimy  fluid  secreted  by  the  mucous  membrane. 
Muscles,  the  organs  of  motion. 

y^arcoctic,  that  which  produces  sleep  by  stupefaction. 
Nausea,  inclination  to  vomit.     Nervine,  that  which 
relieves  disorders  of  the  nerves. 

®blong,  longer  than  broad.     Obtuse,  a  dull,  heavy  pain 
opposite  to  acute.     Organ,  any  part  capable  of  pre- 
paring some  distinct  operation.     Orifice,  an  opening. 

Faral}" tic,  relating  to  palsy.  Paroxysm,  a  periodical 
attack  or  fit  of  a  disease.  Peduuclo,  the  stem  that 
supports  the  flower.  Perennial,  in  botany,  a  plant  that 
lives  more  than  two  years.  Perspiration,  evacuation  of 
fluid  matter  through  the  pores  of  the  skin.  Petioles,  the 
foot  stalks  of  a  leaf.  Pinnate,  a  compound  leaf,  composed 
of  one  stem  and  several  small  leaves  on  each  side  of  it. 
Plethory,  a  fulness  of  habit,  fulness  of  the  vessels.  Pul- 
monale, pertaining  to  the  lungs. 

fuartan,  recurring  every  fourth  day.  Quotidian,  re- 
curring every  day. 
1|  acemes,  growing  in  clusters.  Radiating,  spreading 
<*  or  shooting  in  the  form  of  rays.  Radical,  pertain- 
ing to  the  root.  Rectum,  that  part  of  the  intestines  that 
reaches  to  the  anus.  Respiration,  the  act  of  breathing. — 
Retching,  straining  to  vomit.  Rigidity,  stiffness.  Rigor, 
a  sense  of  chillness,  with  contraction  of  the  skin.  Rube- 
facient, an  application  that  reddens  the  skin  without  blis- 
tering. 

^aliva,  the  spittle.  Secretion,  the  act  of  separating  sub- 
*$  stances  from  the  blood.  Serrate,  notched  like  a 
saw.  Sinapism,  a  poultice  of  mustard,  vinegar  and  flour. 
Solvent,  that  which  has  the  power  of  dissolving.  Stimu- 
lants, medicines  that  excite  action  and  energy  in  the  sys- 
tem. Stranguary,  difficulty  in  voiding  urine.  Styptics, 
medicines  that  check  the  flow  of  blood.  Sudorifics,  medi- 
cines that  produce  sensible  perspiration.  Syphilis,  the 
venereal  disease. 

Tent,  a  roll  of  lint  placed  in  the  opening  of  an  ulcer. 
Terminal,  terminating,  growing  at  the  end  of  astern, 


GLOSSARY!  •  308 

Tertian, -a  disease  whose  paroxysms  return  ■? every  other 
d&Jt  Tonics,  medicines  that  increase  the  tone  and 
strength  of  the  system.  Tumor,  a  swelling.  Typhoid,  re- 
sembling typhus,  weak,  low.  Triennial,  lasting  three 
ye%ars. 

fTmbel,  a  flower  resembling  an  umbrella.     Umbelifer- 
"   ous,  bearing  umbels.     Umbilical,  pertaining  to  the 
naval.    Ulcer,  an  ill  conditioned,  running  sore.     Urethra, 
the  canal  conveying  the  urine.-    Uterus,  the  womb. 

^Tagina,  the  canal  leading  to  the  womb.     Ventilation. 

"  a  free  admission  of  air.  Vermifuge,  medicines  that 
expel  worms.  Vertigo,  giddiness  of  the  head.  Viscera, 
the  entrails. 

liorls,  flowers  or  leaves  growing  round  the  stem  in  a 
ring. 


N03:e. — We  have  corrected  innumerable  errors  that 
were  in  the  copy  from  which  this  work  is  printed,  and  al- 
tered the  grammatical  construction  of  many  sentences,  and 
yet  there  are  very  many  left,  but  we  hope  none  that  will 
mislead  the  common  reader,  and  none  but  what  may  be 
easily  understood  and  corrected  by,  those  who  are  more 
particular  in  such  things.  Our  absence  at  various  times 
during  the  execution  of  the!  work,  prevented  us  from  doing 
that  justice  that  the  work  otherwise  would  have  received. 

JAMES  M,  EDNEY.  . 
April;  12,  1850. 


1  JP  ID  M  X 


Page. 

ANATOMY, 

7  Balm, 

222 

Air, 

22 

Black  Haw, 

230 

Anger, 

2SBalmofGilead, 

233 

Avarice, 

30 

Bamboo  Brier, 

240 

Ague  and  Fever, 

68 

Black  Dittany, 

250 

xipoplexy, 

104 

Burdock, 

266 

Abortion, 

155|Bear-Berry, 

267 

After  Pains, 

162  Blue-Berry, 

277 

American  Senna, 

190 

Bear's-Foof, 

281 

Aloes, 

193 

Blood-Letting, 

292 

Allspice-Tree, 

204 

Balsam  of  Fir  or  Silver 

Angellica, 

226 

Fir  tree, 

286 

Astringents, 

232 

Buck-Eye, 

285 

Assafcetida, 

■278 

Black  Sarsaparilla, 

285 

Agrimony, 

237 

Buck-Tree, 

284 

All  urn  Root, 

242 

CHOLERA  Infantum, 

175 

Antiseptics, 

279 

Cathartics, 

295 

Anthelmintics, 

288 

Calimus, 

195 

Anti-Emetics,  class  of 

299 

Camphor  Tree, 

198 

Ah-squah-na-ta-quah, 

267 

Col  umbo  Root, 

218 

BILLIOUS  FEVER, 

70 

Choleramorbus  Root, 

230 

Blocdy  Urine, 

111 

Croup. 

172 

Bilious  Cholic, 

117 

Cholic  in  Infants, 

171 

Bealed  Jaw, 

120 

Child- Bed  Fever, 

165 

Butternut, 

186 

Constant  desire  to  mak 

e 

Buck  Thorn, 

192 

water, 

153 

Benne  Plant, 

193 

Cramp, 

151 

Blue  Flag, 

foe^hicken-Pox, 

132 

Black  Pepper, 

200 

Chronic  Rheumatism, 

90 

Button  Snake-Root, 

201 

Crane's  Bill, 

237 

Butterfly  Weed, 

202 

Cinquefoil, 

238 

Blue-Root, 

210 

Cat- Paw, 

240 

Bone  Set, 

212 

Cedar, 

251 

Black-Snake  root, 

215 

Comfrey; 

236 

Black- Ash  tree, 

218 

Cat-Tdngue, 

261 

Burns  and  Scalds, 

135 

Culsay-t$e-e-you-sfeee, 

271 

INDEX. 


Clap-Weed, 

263jFear, 

32 

Chamomile, 

276 

Flux, 

51 

Catnip, 

277 

Felon,  or  whitlow, 

01 

Common  Garden  Rue, 

290 

Falling  of  the  palate, 

94 

Carolina  Pink, 

289 

Fractures,  * 

136 

Charcoal  of  wood, 

287 

Flooding, 

154 

Cathartics,  class  of 

ISOiFalse  pains, 

155 

Clothing, 

2a  Falling  of  the  womb, 

106 

Cleanliness, 

27|Flux  weed, 

192 

Catarrh  or  Cold, 

38 

GRIEF, 

34 

Cholaramorbus, 

55 

Gravel  and  Stone, 

112 

Cancer, 

59 

Green  Sickness, 

146 

Consumption, 

85 

Gillenia, 

185 

Clap, 

109 

Gulver  root 

189 

Cholic, 

116 

Garlic, 

194 

Cinnamon  Tree, 

204 

Ginger,  Race, 

199 

DROPFY, 

44 

Golden  seal, 

227 

Dyspepsy, 

48 

Gentain, 

231 

Diarrhoea, 

53 

Green  switch, 

243 

Deafness, 

101 

Golden  rod, 

252 

Diseases  of  the  skin, 

122 

Ginseng, 

275 

Diseases  of  Pregnancy, 

150 

Green  Plantain, 

280 

Diabetes, 

115 

Glossary, 

304 

Dwarf  Bay, 

201 

HATRED, 

29 

Dog  Fennel, 

211 

Hemorrhoides  or  Pile:?, 

54 

Dogwood, 

219 

Hope, 

33 

Dewberry, 

235 

Hooping-cough, 

138 

Diuretics, 

253 

Heart-Burn, 

153 

Dispensatory, 

293 

Horse-radish, 

222 

Diruretic  Pills, 

293 

Horn  bean, 

241 

Diuretic  Powders, 

294 

Heart  leaves,. 

247 

Diaphoretics,  class  of 

295 

Horse  mint, 

253 

Diseases  of  Children, 

76 

Highland  big  leaf, 

263 

EXERCISES, 

23 

Hop- vine, 

264 

Envy,  « 

30 

Hysop, 

273 

Ear-Ache, 

102 

Highland  Fern, 

286 

Epilepsy, 

103 

INFLUENZA,' 

40 

Emetics,  class  of 

179 

Inflamation  of  the  Brain 

,     76 

Elecampane, 

269 

"     of  the  Stomach, 

77 

Emetics, 

296 

"     of  the  .Intestines 

,    79 

FIT-ROOT, 

275 

"     of  the,K.i$nevs, 

80 

Flax-seed, 
Fennel, 

258 

"    of  the  gladder, 

81 

228 

"    of  thej  Spleen, 

82 

Food,  and  Drink, 

25 

"   .of the* Liver, 

83 

INDEX. 


Inflamatory  Rheumatism, 

Itch, 

Imperforation     of   the 

Hymen, 
Injections  or  Clysten, 
Ipecacuanha, 

American,   '. 
Indian  Physic, 
Indian  Fever  Root, 
Indian  Turnip, 
Iron  Filings, 
Iron  Weed, 
Indian  Cup-plant, 
Indian  Hemp, 
Indian  Balm, 
JOY, 
Jaundice, 
Jerusalem  Oak, 
KNOTT  ROOT, 
LOVE, 
Locked  Jaw, 
Labour, 

Lochial  Discharges, 
Lobelia, 
Lettuce, 
Long  Root, 
Liquorice, 
Lungwort, 
Lynn  Tree, 
Liver  Wort, 
MINERAL  POISONS, . 
Milk  Sick,. 
Measles, 
Motherwort, 
Mountain  Dittany, 
Maiden  Fern, 
Milk  Weed, 
Moccasin  Flower, 
Mumps, 
Menstruation, 
Menses,  retention  of 
"     Suppressed,  or  ob- 
structed, 
Menstruation,  painful  - . 


,  90 

"            profuse^ 

147 

1&6 

Menses,,  cessation  of 

147, 

Miliv- Fever,  . 

164 

142 

Meconium,  retention  of 

167 

175 

May  Apple, 

190 

179 

Moor  Wort, 

196 

180 

Misletoe, 

197 

132 

Mulberry, 

191 

185 

Mustard  white  &  black, 

221 

198  Mullen, 

283 

231 

NEVER  WET, 

232 

241 

Nervine,  class  of 

298 

245 

Nervous  Fever, 

72 

257 

Nervous  Colic, 

117 

283 

ONIONS,  ; 

272 

33 

Oak,  white,  red,  black,,- 

234 

92 

Go-na-stah  lah-cah-tsee 

289 

,  le-skee, 

229 

242 

PAIN  in  the  Head, 

152 

35 

Passions, 

27 

118 

Pulse, 

36 

157 

Pleurisy, 

42 

162 

Poisons, 

94 

183 

"       of  the  skin, 

122 

209 

Pox, 

107 

251 

Palsy, 

120 

271 

Burns  and  Scalds, 

135 

272 

Pregnancy,  signs  of    • 

150 

280 

Peach  Tree, 

188 

274 

Pine, 

205 

97 

Prickly  Ash, 

217 

98 

Persimmon, 

235 

132 

Princes-Feather, 

237 

204 

Pennyroyal, 

245 

249 

Peppermint, 

248 

273 

Penny-worth, 

252 

274 

Pumpkin, 

260 

276 

Paisley, 

261 

134 

Poor  Robin's  Plantain, 

263 

139 

Piney-weed, 

268 

141 

Puocoon,  red 

270 

Poke  weedr. 

284 

143 

Plaster  for  blisters, 

302 

145 

Phthisic, 

65 

INDEX. 


Queen  of  the  Meadow,  261 

RHEUMATISM,  89 

Rupture,  or  Hernia,  88 

Ring-worm,  125 

Red  Gum,  169 

Rheubarb,  187 

Red  Pepper,  200 

Rosin-weed,  206 

Raspberry,  240 

Red-root,  241 

Rattle-weed,  246 

Rheumatic  Ointment,  300 

Rush,  256 

Rattle-snake's  Master,  268 

SLEEP,  24 
Scrofula,  or  King's  Evil,    57 

Scarlet  Fever,  74 

Snake  bite,  95 

Sting  of  Insects,  96f 

Scurvy,  100 

Scald-head,  123 

Shingles,  ■  127 

St.  Anthony's  Fire,  127 

Sore  Legs,  .16 

Small  Pox,  128 
Sickness  of  the  Stomach  151 

Swelled  Legs,  152 
Stoppage  or  suppression 

of  Urine,  154 
Swelled  Breasts,  163 
Sore  Nipples,  163 
•Swelled  Leg,  164 
Snuffles,  168 
Sore, -Eyes*,  169 
Sudorifics  and  Diaphoret- 
ics, 243 
Seneka  Snake  Root,  243 
Spice  Wood,  246 
Shell  Bark  Hickory,  248 
Spear  Mint,  248 
Strawberry,  '  253 
^mart-weed,  257 
Sumach,  258 
Silk  weed  259 


Southern  Yaupon,  265 
Slippery  Elm,  279 
Sheep  Sorrel,  Wild  Sor- 
rel, 280 
Sassafras,  '  282 
Swamp  Lilly,  286 
Spruce  Pine,  285 
Styptics,  302 
Stimulants,  194 
Sage,  197 
Seven  Bark,  197 
Saffron,  201 
Spikenard,  213 
Sampson  snake  root,  215 
Sour  wood,  218 
Star  root,  220 
Snake  head,  226 
Solomon's  Seal,  227 
Sweet  Gum  Tree,  235 
Skervish  Frost  Root,  239 
TOOTH- ACHE,  119 
Tetter-worm,  124 
Twins,  161 
Thrush,  170 
Tonics,  210 
Tag  Alder,  :  21.1 
Tansy,  217 
Tobacco,  253 
Twin  Leaf,  262 
Tar,  .  273 
The  China  tree,  288 
Tonics,  class  of  297 
ULCERS,  58 
Unnatural  Presentations  160 
Urine,  retention  of  168 
VENEREAL,  105 
Vegetable  poisons,  96 
Vaccination,  ,  131 
Vervine,  184 
Vinegar,  288 
WILD  MERCURY,  269 
White  Hoarhound,  278 
White  swelling  62 
Wen,  121 


INDEX. 


Wouiws  andeuts, 

Whites  or  fluo'r  albus, 

Worms, 

White  snake  root, 

Wild  Ginger, 

Wild  wet- fire, 

White  poppy, 

Wild  cucumber, 

White  sarsaparilla, 

Wild  hoarhound, 

Willow, 

Wild  Cherry  tree, 

Water  plantain, 

White  Hickory. 


137 

148 
173 

203 

205 
207 
207 
216 

225 
225 

228J 
229 
238| 
242  j 


Winter  Clever,  250 

Water  Big  Leaf,  252 

White  Ekler,  260 

Wild  Potatoe,  262 

Wild  Ratsbane,  266 

Worm-wood,  290 

Wild  Indigo,  287 
YELLOW  FEVER,         t73 

Yellow  Gum,  170 

Yellow  Poplar,  *        223 
Yellow  Sarsaparilla,        224 

Yarrow.  238 

Yellow  Dock,  282 


^MIiewMIe  *J?le§§em&eF 


This  is  a  large  and  handsome  sheet,  published  on  fine 
paper,  and  n^w  type,  Whig  in  politics,  devoted  chiefly  io 
Agriculture,  internal  Improvements,  Education,  Temper- 
ance. Foreign  and  Domestic  News,  Science,  Literature, 
and  General  Intelligence.  Published  at  £?2  00  a  year, 
payable  in  six  months;  $2  50  after  six  months;  or  03  CO 
ail  or  the  cud  of  the  year. 

JAMES  M.  EDNEY, 

Editor  aid  Proprietor. 

N.  B. — Cards,  Circular?.  Pamphlets,    Books,  and  every  y 
sort,  of  Job  Work  executed  at  short  notice,  in  the  best  style, 
and  on  the  most  reasonable  terms. 

Asheville,  N.  C,  ApriUGoO. 


m 


t 


/, 


I 


X 


1 

■  1        bH 
■ 

■  I : 


I    **" 


I 


U 


J$9 


J    <K 

H 

£3 

■ 

*™JI 

H 

■n 
■■L 


BiTiSF<       3^16 


JMR 


*  -.*» 


3b  bbbui  ■■■ 

v-  -  •  V"     K' 

■    ■ 

J£b|B  v*  \  WK  MSB 

3™  I  iU9  bBbbH 

I  <      I 

H^H       are         .,i,i 

■■HI  Elol      waaMI  £t9 

IS  &Ui  HH 

I      I     i 

■*xi  1 1         fl 


m»j"ia 


■> »» 


m 


bB«B1 

H 

•  I  I  -,tM  I 


